90 Years of Excellence: SPC Alumni Advocates Schools Independence from Church Premises
Calabar: In a significant gesture to commemorate 90 years of St. Patrick’s College (SPC), Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the Alumni Association, led by its National President, His Royal Majesty Edidem E.C.D. Abia, paid a visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu.
The visit, held at the Obong’s country residence in Adiabo Ikot Mbo, Odukpani LGA, formed part of the institution’s anniversary celebrations.
Speaking during the visit, HRM Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket, Akwa Ibom State emphasized the need for the school to operate independently from the parish located on its premises.
“We are determined, in collaboration with the archbishop, to ensure that the school and the parish are separated for the sake of security and to provide an undisturbed learning environment,” HRM Abia stated.
He noted that the current situation, where various visitors come to the premises, creates distractions and potential safety issues for the students.
Addressing the gathering, the Obong of Calabar lauded the alumni’s efforts, expressing gratitude for their commitment to preserving the school’s legacy.
“I thank the Saint Patrick’s Old Boys Association, especially the leadership under HRM Abia, for their dedication. The school has a proud history of producing exceptional individuals, not only in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states but across the nation and beyond,” the Obong said.
He reminisced about the institution’s significant role before the civil war when it stood as one of the leading secondary schools in the country.
St. Patrick’s College, founded in 1934 by Irish missionaries from the St. Patrick’s Society, has long been recognized for its academic and extracurricular excellence.
It was one of only two secondary schools in Nigeria, alongside King’s College Lagos, qualified to offer direct entry for students into universities in 1953.
However, the Nigerian Civil War brought challenges that led to the military occupation of the school’s premises, causing severe damage to its facilities.
“Although the military relinquished control after the war, the school’s facilities were left in ruins, and expansion possibilities were stifled by land confiscations,” HRM Abia explained.
He praised the alumni and the Catholic Church for their post-war efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the institution.
The current challenge, however, remains the encroachment by the parish, which HRM Abia and other alumni fear may overshadow the school’s purpose.
The Obong of Calabar stresses the importance of addressing these issues to protect the legacy of SPC.
He also noted how past generations benefited from the school’s sporting and academic programs, which fostered competition and excellence across the region.
“The school had unique sporting events that extended to other Catholic institutions, motivating children and building community spirit,” he said.
The alumni’s call for action also resonated during their earlier homage to Ntoe Paul Asim Ita, the Clan Head of Nkonik Qua, Ikot Ansa.
Ntoe Ita pledged support, enumerated the essence of creating a conducive learning environment for the students. “As the main landlord, I assure you that we will back efforts that promote the school’s growth and its reputation as a center of excellence,” he stated.
HRM Abia revealed that, once granted approval by the archbishop, the alumni association plans to embark on significant reforms, including constructing a fence to separate the school from the parish and revamping facilities.
“We are committed to raising funds for these projects to ensure SPC continues as a leading institution of learning,” he affirmed.
The Obong expressed optimism that the archbishop and the auxiliary bishop would support these initiatives.
“Their partnership is crucial for restoring the school to its former glory, fulfilling the dreams of its founders and past benefactors,” he noted.
As St. Patrick’s College celebrates 90 years of educational impact, the alumni’s vision for the future aims not only to preserve the school’s illustrious history but also to secure an environment where students can thrive without interruption.
The anniversary’s closing remarks reiterated the shared resolve: “We must not fail, and we are determined to succeed in preserving the legacy of St. Patrick’s College,” HRM Abia concluded. The event started on Friday and ended on Saturday with anniversary mass at the College Parish, dinner and award night.
Highlights of the anniversary was the cutting of the anniversary cake, awards presentation to the outstanding members of the Association, busery awards to the best outstanding students of the college sponsored by the Lagos chapter of the association.
