By Akpan David, Calabar
The Old Students’ Association of Methodist Secondary School, Ibiaku Isshiet in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State has constructed and donated an ultra modern library worth about N20 million to their alma mata.
The official handing over ceremony was done at the school over the weekend with fanfares.
The commissioning ceremony brought together good numbers of the old students most of whom have become very successful in their chosen fields.
President of the Association, Hon Justice, Prof. Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja commended the alumni who tasked themselves to raise the staggering sums to give back to their Alma mata.
He said the former library which was commissioned in 1979 by the then Cross River State Commissioner of Education, Mr.Lawrence Nneji had become completely dilapidated, which reason they had to come to the aid of the school.
To further equip it, he disclosed that capable members of the association are ready to generously donate books, ICT equipment, furniture and fittings, personal publications, where available, as well as necessary materials.
The association’s president appreciated every contribution of the school authority as strategic partners in the pursuit of their mission of improving the quality of education in school.
He said they stepped in as interventionists, so as to ease the prevailing financial pressure on the school authority.
“The library project is not the only intervention. We’ve also sponsored purchase of needed instruments like Brass band, cultural drums, cultural dance costumes, two sets of football jerseys, as well as robust supports for bi-annual inter-house sports”, he said.
The association chairman promised to assist well performing students once they are in a position to do so. “We’re fashioning out a scholarship programme for deserving current students. Once we’re ready, the school will be notified.”
He cautioned current students to be judicious with the library facilities, advising that they must prepare themselves for the challenges of life after school just like they did.
The school was founded in 1973. The new library is named after the second Principal of the school, Mr. Asuquo William Inyang in whose tenure from 1975 to 1982, the school reportedly attained great renown in academic, infrastructure and social excellence.
Current principal of the school is Mr.Edet Ekpenyong Ekanem, being an alumnus (Class ’80).
