Uyo bubbles as GSS Eket alumni celebrate ex-Principal

The former students of Government Secondary School, Afaha-Eket, Eket, have described their former principal, Mr Edet G. Utuk G. Utuk, as a man destiny, disciplinarian par excellence and “one of the best teachers of all times”. In a press release celebrating the 80th birthday of Pa Utuk and signed by the Chairman, Steering Committee of the Government Secondary School, Afaha-Eket, Alumni Association, Hon David Lawrence, the students appreciated the firm guidance they had under the former principal. 

They intend to join in the celebration on Sunday 20th Sept, 2015 at United Evangelical Church (QIC), along Calabar-Itu Road at 9.00am for the thanksgiving service and later at E3 Events Centre, Km 1, Uyo Village Road, Uyo for the reception. They admitted with nostalgia and pride that they turned out best in their different fields of endeavour because of the quality leadership they experienced under Mr Utuk. The release said: “Silver or gold have we none. 

But we feel indepted to Pa Utuk. We recall with pride and nostalgia, his impactful guidance and direction towards us as students of that great institution. His inspiring leadership would make him one of the best teachers of all times. “Today, many who were fortunate to pass through his tutelage are holding their own across the diverse strata of the society, the world over. We are living testimonies of his greatness in fatherhood. His kind and gentle but firm hand guided many who would have gone astray onto the right path. His compassionate disposition was a balm to many students”. 

While wishing the former principal “more years spiced with good health, peace and sound mind”, the association said God preserved Mr Utuk this long so he can reap the fruit of his deeds on earth. The association used the occasion of Mr Utuk’s birthday to draw attention to the general state of neglect and eventual current deplorable condition of the GSS, Afaha-Eket. 

It said an on-the -spot assessment of the structures within the school made by the Association ‘s visitation team showed an unhabitable and unfriendly environment unfit for students to study. While the Girls’ hostel and some of the classroom blocks have no roof, the walls of the buildings have been taken over by algae. 

“The state of decay is so much that we worry about the safety of the students and teachers of that institution. Infact, a preliminary assessment by some engineers in our visitation team showed that the foundation of some of the structures may have been affected by years of neglect”, the release added. It then charged all men of conscience across the state as well as the State Government to join hands with the association to bring GSS Afaha-Eket back to life for the sake of posterity and as a mark of honour for Pa Utuk.