Non Sibi Sed Aliis is the Methodist Boys High School motto. It means “Not for us but for others.” It serves as a reminder to act with altruism and to prioritize the common good over personal gain. My dad went to Methodist Boys High School (MBHS) in Lagos, Nigeria from 1947-1953. He writes vividly about his experiences there and in his formative years in his autobiography “American Boy: A Life Inspired by American Ideals.” You’ll find the EGP interviews with my dad about his life and book in season 2, episodes 7 and 9.
Methodist to the core, he was raised in a tradition of service and has lived that out to this day. Founded in 1878 by Methodist missionaries, MBHS was the second oldest high school in Nigeria. In an effort to integrate Christianity into their lives, African methodists wanted a Methodist school to instruct their kids and to help them become Christ-like. It was one of the early principals of the school, W.B. Euba, long deceased, who coined the now famous motto.
Dad turned 90 on 10.10.2024. Following his momentous milestone birthday bash, my sister and I sat with my parents to decompress after cleaning up. We were reminiscing about the day’s events, discussing who showed up, who didn’t, who called to wish him a happy birthday, opening cards, and such. I shared with my dad that his cousin had texted me. He wanted to hear from dad directly. (Up to now, I had been the go-between for calls. Especially during the summer when I was the caretaker for my dad and mom for four months.)
To be completely honest, my emotions at that moment were more complicated than what I’d wanted to admit. I’m discovering a lot of these emotions again since this season of caring for dad ended. Now, every event seems to strike a nerve in me. Exposing my soft raw core, a dictionary of emotions is emerging in me – pride, shame, jealousy, fear, anxiety. Having just settled my parents in assisted living, I am finally having room to take a moment and explore and process what we’ve all been through for the first time. I’m finally able to think about the future and what good can be done in this moment in time.
Dad spoke to his cousin after I placed the call and handed him my phone. In the discussion the issue arose of dad’s old school – Methodist Boys High School. And in the communications the school’s motto came up: Non Sibi Sed Aliis. It sounded so profound, I asked my dad what it meant. “Not for us but for others,” he said. On reflection, it’s a bridge builder’s manifesto. I connected with that thought. Giving so others can thrive is a lofty goal and if my life were perfect, is what I’d do. What followed in that conversation bore the meaning out.
My dad asked as I left their new home for the final time of my visit that I follow up with our cousin to make sure that he makes good on his pledge to support the school in efforts to keep its land from being encroached on. It’s in jeopardy, I thought in shock, but what does that have to do with me? “You’re good at that, instigating,” he said. I finally got it, and I nearly missed it, the message, because I was so wrapped up in my head and emotions. This moment was not about me, it was truly, about and for others. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for processing emotions and all, but this moment just meant more. It was about future generations of students having the opportunity to be taught the value of service to humanity and to God.
In our present climate and generation, we could do with renewed vision for selfless service. Perhaps that’s why the concept rang a bell with me. It feels like we live in times when all the institutions that were supposedly aimed at selfless service are being ridiculed, undermined, or dismantled. The Church, the federal government, global alliances, the Constitution. But I choose to stand for the thriving of all, not just for myself. For We the People. Non Sibi Sed Aliis. I like that. I think I’ll make it part of my signature.
Sources:
Soremekun, Fola. American Boy: A Life Inspired by American Ideals. Bloomington, IN, Westbow Press, March 29, 2018. https://a.co/d/5ZxyYf4
Methodist Boys High School, Lagos, Nigeria website.
https://mbhslagos.com/the-school/.
Accessed 13 October, 2024
Methodist Boys High School. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist_Boys%27_High_School. Accessed 13 October, 2024.
Grace Edema, Methodist boys beg Sanwo-Olu to revoke illegal land document, Punch Nigeria, 15 March 2024. Accessed 13 October, 2024. https://punchng.com/methodist-boys-beg-sanwo-olu-to-revoke-illegal-land-document/
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/coc_missions_photos/1570
Accessed 30 April, 2025.
Source: Elevate Good Pod Substack