By Ndifreke Bassey, Newsday
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the newly rebuilt Methodist Model Primary School, Ikot Abia Idem, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, giving the 115-year-old institution a new lease of life.
Established in 1911, the school had over the years suffered structural deterioration before the state government embarked on its comprehensive reconstruction as part of efforts to upgrade basic education infrastructure across the state.
Representing the Governor at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, who attended the school between 1962 and 1967, said the transformation of the institution brought back nostalgic memories of his early years.
Ibokessien expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the intervention, noting that the reconstruction had restored the historic school and provided a modern learning environment for a new generation of pupils.
He said the project reflected the administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and creating better opportunities for children across Akwa Ibom.
The rebuilt school now features modern classrooms, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, teachers’ residential quarters, solar-powered electricity and a borehole, among other facilities.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State and attracted members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, senior aides to the Governor, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, youths, parents and pupils.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, said the 115-year-old institution had endured years of structural decline before the government’s intervention.
Umoh explained that the reconstruction was part of the administration’s programme to develop Model Primary Schools across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, the facilities were designed to provide pupils with a conducive learning environment while exposing them to modern technology from the primary school level.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described the project as an investment in the future of the children rather than merely the construction of another school building.
Ekong noted that the provision of ICT facilities, teachers’ residential quarters, solar power and a borehole demonstrated a comprehensive approach to the development of primary education infrastructure.
He called on members of the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure that the infrastructure and equipment are properly protected and maintained.
The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, thanked Governor Eno for what he described as the impact of the ARISE Agenda in the area.
Nkom said the people of Ikot Ekpene had witnessed interventions in various sectors, expressing appreciation for the development projects executed in the local government area.
The member representing Ikot Ekpene in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Anson Otu, also commended Governor Eno for his interventions in the area, particularly projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
The Paramount Ruler, Akuku Okon, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno and all those who contributed to the completion of the project.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from community and political leaders, who commended the intervention and pledged their support for the protection and maintenance of the facility.
The rebuilt Methodist Model Primary School is one of the Model Primary Schools being developed by the Eno administration across Akwa Ibom State as part of efforts to strengthen basic education infrastructure and provide pupils with improved learning facilities.
