Education sector: Essien Udim council boss tasks stakeholders on collaborative efforts
The Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Council, Mr Anthony Luke has advocated collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop the education sector and improve on the quality of learning in the grassroots.
The Council boss who stated this in his good will message to the inauguration of Okon Secondary Commercial School (OSCSCO) Alumni Association and conferment of honourary membership on him by the group noted that education is one of the cardinal points of his administration.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to the development of grassroots education which he described as the basis of a better society.
The Chairman who was represented at the event by his Press Secretary, Mr Edidiong Idemokon commended the Alumni Association for coming together to support and contribute their quota toward the development of their alma mater.
He pledged the support of the Council to the body to enable them to succeed in their vision and encouraged others to emulate them for the betterment of society.
“Although it is one of the primary responsibilities of government to provide qualitative education to the people, everyone else has a role to play.
“Parents have role to play, the teachers have role to play. Old Students bodies like your own have role to play and the community must provide enabling environment for learning and also cooperate with teachers for them to deliver on their mandate,” the Chairman posited.
Luke warned both teachers and students aganst indulging in cultism and reiterated his administration’s commitment and determination to wipe out criminal elements in the area.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Abom Ephraim Okon called on the people of Okon to join hands with the Alumni Association to develop the school and also show interest in what is happening in the school which he said is the only government secondary school in the community.
He commended the Executive Chairman of Essien Udim, Mr Anthony Luke for his passion for education and expressed optimism that his administration will transform both basic and secondary education in the area.
Okon also lauded the Chairman for the steps his administration has taken so far to curb insecurity and armed robbery in the area, calling for support for his administration to succeed for the benefit of all Essien Udim people.
In a paper delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Ritman University, Professor Celestine Ntuen and entitled “The Synergy of Stakeholders in the Management of Okon Secondary Commercial School” lamented that after 43 years of establishment, the school has only one Ph.D recipient.
He pointed out that “synergy is a panacea and conduit to successfully harness the intellect of the major stakehokders in Okon Secondary Commercial School management.”
Prof Ntuen identified the stakeholders to include students, teachers, parents, PTA, Community and governments (federal, state and Local) and challenged them to make the school a better place for teaching and learning.
In his message, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Itu, CSP Joseph Udouriouh commended the Alumni for their vision, patriotism and passion for education, stressing that their presence should serve as a motivating factor for the students in the school and also spur the principal and and teachers of the school to give their best for improved standard of learning.
Udouriouh charged the alumni to work with the school administrators to develop the school while assuring them of his support to ensure adequate security of the students and the teachers in the school.
Speaking, the Clan Head of Okon, His Highness Obong Bassey Johnny who eexpressed delight for the formation of the association which according to him will serve as “a pillar of support” to the school.
He urged them to remain focused and committed to their objectives so as to leave a lasting legacy,admonishing them to do everything with love and fear of God.
Responding, the President of OSCSCO Alumni Association, Mr Israel Udouriouh who lamented the decay in the institution, established about 43 years ago, noted that the association was formed with the following objectives among others:
“To unite old students with a common goal to better the worth of our alma mater and impart positively on the community
“To promote cordial relationship among OSCSCO alumni, management, staff, students and host community leaders and other stakeholders, then chat a part of sustainable development,” the President noted.
He called for support and cooperation to enable the association the school achieve their goals for the benefit of the people.
