- Teach me thy best that all the world may know,
What it is to have come from thee,
Teach me that I into the world may go,
Struggling ever for thy fame, Igbobi,
Refrain: “Give me a torch, which shall shine
And pour on all afar and near
Its radiance divine
Let hill and vale these tidings bear
Wherever there’s an Igbobian
There also is a noble Nigerian.”
- Teach me that I the word of God mighty to save
Everyone from lure of sin and sty.
Teach me that I may grow up kind and brave
Self-denying for the poor and needy.
Refrain: “Give me a torch,…
- Give me such knowledge necessary for bliss
As will make my life’s career a jewel:
Not only subjects called Humanities
But those called the Sciences must join in.
Refrain: “Give me a torch,…
- Teach me those habits of a gentleman
As will make me clean and quick and clear
Teach me to play my part well in a plan
And in sports to win or lose with fair cheer
Refrain: “Give me a torch,…
- So shall it be that, having learnt thy best,
I shall proudly claim to have come from thee.
And when from thee into the world I’ve passed
I will struggle for thy fame, Igbobi.
Refrain: “Give me a torch, which shall shine
And pour on all afar and near
Its radiance divine
Let hill and vale these tidings bear
Wherever there’s an Igbobian
There also is a noble Nigerian.”
Words By: O. O. ORUWARI (1943 Set)
Music By: T. Nelson-Williams (1945)