Reverend Father Angus Fraser, a Catholic priest, educator and missionary has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Benue State, Nigeria.
As Dr. Samuel Gbough, a former Vice-Principal of St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, aptly put it, “Father Fraser’s dedication to education and mentoring has left a lasting impact on Benue State and his legacies would continue to inspire many in the years ahead.”
Born on April 8, 1931 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Father Fraser dedicated his life to serving in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State.
His 43-year tenure as Principal of Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi (1971-2014), transformed the school into a hub of academic excellence.
As former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa once noted, “Father Fraser’s leadership and vision instilled a great sense of purpose and responsibility in his students.”
Father Fraser’s commitment to discipline and moral values helped to shape the lives of many prominent Nigerians, including a former Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Arc. Asema Achado and a Music Icon, Innocent Idibia also known as Tuface.
The clergy man founded the Via Christi Society, which played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of many notable individuals.
Tuface Idibia confirmed this when he said, “Father Fraser’s impact on my life is immeasurable; he taught me the importance of hard work, discipline and compassion.”
In recognition of his contribution to education, Father Fraser received several awards, including the Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) in 2003 and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from former US President, Bill Clinton.
To immortalize his legacy, Associate members of Via Christi, Makurdi Chapter, have embarked on a project to build a block of three classrooms for the Angus Fraser Nursery and Primary School in Makurdi.
They are soliciting the support of the old students particularly those in privileged positions and other public spirited men and women to enable them complete the project.
One of the Associate members of the Via Christi Society and former Vice-principal of St. Gabriel Secondary School Makurdi, Dr. Samuel Gbough is always handy to be reached by anyone wishing to contribute to the project.
As we honor Father Fraser for his simplicity and legacy, we celebrate his achievements and encourage the younger ones to strive to achieve excellence.
As the saying goes, “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
Father Fraser’s selfless dedication to education and mentoring has left a lasting impact on Benue State and his legacies would continue to move others to do greater things in future.
The Benue State Government is called upon to rehabilitate the street named after Father Fraser, located near Government College and St. Gabriel Secondary School, both in Makurdi.
A few old students of St. Gabriel that readily come to mind including the current Commissioner of Youths, Sports and creativity Hon. Tiza Imojime, the Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande Innocent Idibia also known as Tuface who is PSA to the Governor on Entertainment and Atôm Lim the Personal Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, should take this up.
It is our belief that the Alia administration which has placed premium on the development of the State’s infrastructure, would be willing to rehabilitate the Street named after Fr. Fraser and also engage in any other useful enterprise that could honour the late white Priest.
The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi is encouraged to immortalize Father Fraser through deliberate initiatives such as to promote the ideals and values which the late clergy man embodied while alive.
Another is by maintaining academic excellence, discipline and hard work among the staff and students of the school in addition to any other venture that that could give it credibility.
The Tiv Area Traditional Council should confer a befitting posthumous Chieftaincy title on Revd Father Angus Fraser as recognition for his hard work, selflessness and purposeful leadership.
In the words of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, “Father Fraser’s legacy is an attestation to the power of education and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.” Let us therefore, preserve Father Fraser’s legacy and ensure that in the near future, some persons would benefit from the values and principles that guided his remarkable tenure.
