School of Basic Studies Akamkpa Alumni hold Inaugural meeting ...Governor Emmanuel’s CPS makes list

School of Basic Studies Akamkpa Alumni hold Inaugural meeting

...Governor Emmanuel’s CPS makes list

For the first time in 37 years, the Alumni of School of Basic Studies, Awi, Akampa in Cross River State on March 31st converged at Le Meridian lbom Hotel and Golf Resort to reconnect and begin the process of establishing a viable Alumni.

The Alumni’s Inaugural meet which drew ex-Students of the institution from within and outside the country had in attendance members of the State Executive Council, University dons, Business men and women as well as Captains of industries.

In his welcome address to the Alumni, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim lnyangeyen said the inaugural meet was an opportunity for the Alumni to come together, to put structures in place that will allow the Alumni converge from time to time in order to monitor the growth and development of the association.

Mr lnyangeyen an Alumnus of the school, maintained that, it was important to know the growth and welfare of each member for the Alumni to give support when the need arises as well as join hands to contribute to the uplift of the institution.

The Works Commissioner who recalled early days in the institution said the school had produced outstanding personalities in different fields of endeavor, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral lbokette Ebbas and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani.

While congratulating the new Interim Committee to run the affairs of the Alumni, Commissioner Inyangeyen urged them to be firm in the discharge of their duties and solicited support for the Committee.

Mr lnyangeyen expressed appreciation to all members of the Alumni who had contributed to the success of the inaugural meet, particularly, Mrs Joyce Ukpong and Mrs Ann Akpabio.

Commissioner Inyangeyen predicted that, in the next five years, the Alumni will be outstanding as it has a role to play in the development of the institution.

In his good will message, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral lbokette Ebbas, advised the Alumni to adopt the tripod strategy used by the Navy, which includes, integrity, professionalism and teamwork, to be able to succeed and perform efficiently.

Represented by the Chief Officer Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral J. K. Lucas, he also encouraged the Alumni to imbibe the spirit of selfless service, noting that, the virtue is the ingredient to achieve their aims and objectives.

The Chairman, Cross River Basin Authority, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, an Alumnus of the school in his goodwill message, said, the inaugural meet was a well thought idea to chart the way forward for the Alumni and pledged to collaborate with the association to be of assistance to others. Goodwill messages were also received from Mrs lbiom Umodak and Mrs Udeme Ekpoh.

Giving a brief History of the School of Basic Studies Awi Akampa, one of the chief.

Lecturers from the institution, Dr Emmanuel Attah, said, the school was established in 1977 with quality teachers who inculcated good morals in the students as exemplified by the personalities produced from the school.

Dr Attah encouraged the Alumni to form a National Association and appreciated members of the Alumni who have made, not only the school proud, but the State and Nation.

The Guest Speaker and Professor of Theatre Arts, University of Uyo, Professor Effiong Johnson, in his keynote address on the theme: “The Essence of Alumni”, based his lecture on two main theories which include theory of Deconstruction and phyco-Analysis.

Prof Johnson who spoke on the definition of Alumni, categories of Alumni, objectives of Alumni and its responsibilities, said, Alumni must provide books and computers to facilitate learning in their Alma mattas.

The inaugural meet featured the inauguration of an Interim Committee to pilot the affairs of the Alumni, which had Mrs Joyce Ukpong as Acting Chairman, Barr. Gabriel Fan -Secretary, Mrs lbiom Umodak - Welfare Officer and Mrs Essienanwan Akpabio -Treasurer and the CPS to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr Ekerette Udoh as the Interim Publicity Secretary.

The event also witnessed presentation of pins to members of the Alumni by the Representative of the Chief of Naval staff and Presentation of souvenirs to Commissioner for Works Mr Ephraim lnyang and his counterpart in culture and tourism, Mr Victor Antai.

Highlights of the event included a reunion dance as high life maestro, Sir Wilker Jackson and the Unique Brothers thrilled all with music.