Veteran journalist and media mogul Dele Momodu has announced the passing of his former Literature teacher, Harinder Sutton, who died peacefully in London.
Taking to social media on Monday, Mr Momodu paid tribute to Mrs. Sutton, describing her as the best literature teacher he ever had during his time at St. John’s Grammar School, Oke-Atan, Ile-Ife.
“Mrs. Harinder Sutton, my best Literature Teacher ever, at St. John’s Grammar School Oke-Atan Ile-Ife, has passed on peacefully in London,” he wrote.
Born on March 18, 1936, in Singapore, Mrs. Sutton was a distinguished educator, activist, and mentor whose career spanned several countries and decades. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Singapore in 1959 and a Diploma in Education from the University of Malaya in 1960.
Mrs. Sutton’s teaching career began at the Presbyterian Boys School in Singapore, where she taught English and served as a boarding mistress. Her passion for education later took her to Ghana, where she contributed significantly to the development of young female students at Saltpond Mfantsiman Girls School.
In Nigeria, Mrs. Sutton made a lasting impact in various educational institutions. She served as vice principal and tutor at the Muslim Teachers Training College in Oru, Ijebu Ode, and as principal of Ife Girls High School, Ile-Ife, from 1965 to 1972. Her time as principal was marked by her commitment to empowering young women through education.
Desiring a return to direct teaching, Mrs. Sutton joined St. John’s Grammar School in 1972 as an English teacher and later made history as the first female vice principal of the boys in 1975. She subsequently headed the arts department at Oduduwa College from 1979 to 1987, leaving an indelible mark on arts education.