Primary education is the cradle on which the formative years of children are founded. For Lady Roseline Inisiagho, fondly called Auntie Rose then, the need to help groom those blooming stars influenced the establishment of Auntie Rose Group of Schools in Ughoroke, Warri, Delta State, 40 years ago. When she began, hers was one of the few private schools in the region and with her motto of “Work, Play and Pray”, she has churned out pupils who are productive members of the society. Come June 28, 2022, the proprietress will join the Octogenarian club, a milestone she is thankful for. Sharing her life’s journey with Sylvester Idowu, she went down memory lane on how she used to drive her green Pick Up van round many streets of Warri GRA, picking and dropping her school children and how Auntie Rose Schools, then very famous for quality education, has produced thousands of children, many of whom are today, in the commanding heights of many organisations
You have been a great educational entrepreneur, what were the challenges you faced while setting up your school?
I can’t remember any challenge that confronted me while setting up the school except for the usual problem of funds while setting up a business. Getting pupils was not much of a problem then because Auntie Rose Schools was amongst the first few sets of private schools in the 80s when it was set up.
Can you tell us about your school?
I just want to thank God I’m able to build the schools out of passion. I grew the schools to become a brand then. The school is still up and doing but not as before. The competition is so high now but we are still keeping the schools floating. My daughter is always helping me physically and financially, in fact she is the one overseeing the running of the schools now. All my children always put their effort in what I’m doing.
You are an educationist and you were trained at a Teacher’s Training College, but with the kind of education you had at that time, can you compare it with the education system we operate now?
We had the best of training during our time. Reason being that we had dedicated teachers. Government was up and doing too but a lot has changed now. Government is not as committed as it used to be then. Also we don’t have committed teachers now. The parents are also not helping matters. They now storm schools to fight teachers who try to discipline their wards. This can never happen during our time. It takes parents and teachers to mould children but that’s lacking nowadays.
In the present day Nigeria, the educational system has collapsed. There is no morality in our children. What advice do you have for those in authority and parents?
The government should put the right policies in place to revitalise our educational systems. They should also put the welfare of the teachers uppermost in their focus on education in other to get the best results.
As for parents, they should be patient with the children because some parents are always flogging their children which is not good. Advise your child and be patient with them. They will learn from you. Constant flogging is not the best way of bringing up children. Advise them, show them love.
Can you share what your background was like?
My father, Eruteya, was from Urovi in Abraka while my mother, Adede, was from Oriah in Abraka. I was born in 1942. I have been a teacher throughout my life. Though, my father died long time ago before my mother. I’ve being staying in Warri since I got married.
Where did you school?
I went to primary school in Oriah in Abraka and later to Teacher Training College also in Abraka.
At 80years of age, how do you feel?
I don’t know how I feel, the only thing is that my movement is not as fast as it used to be. The things I used to do, I can’t do them again now.
But do you feel happy you are celebrating your 80th birthday?
Yes, I have to thank God. I grew up with so many people around me. Some have gone to answer their God and many are still privileged like me. To live up to 80 years is a privilege. So, I thank God for giving me the Grace.
How do you intend to celebrate your birthday?
I always thank God everyday of my life but I want to specially thank God for my life on 28th of June when I will be 80 years. I will thank God for His care, mercy and love and for keeping me to this age by celebrating it in the Catholic Church.
Looking back, what are the most memorable experience of your life? Is it about the training given by your parents, the school experience or the children God has given you?
That’s number one, I was privileged to be given proper training by my parents who were devoted Catholics. I and my children are still Catholics till today. Again, God has blessed me with good children and they are all educated. Then I’m not always sick so we have to thank God for keeping me hail and healthy and blessing me with wonderful children.
What do you consider the saddest moment of your life?
I can’t remember anything that happened in the past that I will consider as sad. One thing is that I don’t allow things to disturb me. Once I see anything that is not good for me, I pray over it and move on.
You have lived to 80, what makes you happy now?
What makes me happy most is that I know God and I always call Him in every difficulty. I am also happy seeing my children and those that passed through my schools. Infact, I have those who passed through our schools that are doing well across the country and in the diaspora. I always feel happy when I come across them or any of them visits me. Their successes gives me great joy. Some of them are going to be part of my 80th birthday celebration.
If you should have the opportunity to come back to this world again, what will be your wish?
I will want to come back as a Nigerian and through my parents. I will want them to bring me up again in their usual disciplinary approach. That helped me a lot while growing. Again, I will want God to give me back my children and finally, I will want to be an educationalist.
What advise do you have for the younger generation?
I will advice them to be honest, gentle and loving. They should have self confidence in whatever they do and do what’s right and just always. If you are Holy and clean, God will help you and you don’t feel worry. As for me, I only surrender everything to God and He is always helping me.
Tell us more about your husband?
He died a long time ago. I can’t remember much about him again except that he was a disciplinarian and a devout Catholic.
But do you miss him?
Yes.
If he was alive, maybe things would have been better?
Yes, of course.
