AKHA visits College of Education, ascertains preparedness for Tertiary Status

On the hills of the Bill seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, the House Committee on Education has undertaken an oversight visit on the College to ascertain the level of preparedness of the College to upgrade to a full-fledged University of Education.

While on the spot visit to the College, Tuesday March 11, the Chairman of the Committee and Member Representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, Hon. Mrs. Kenim Onofiok stated that the Bill does not seek to retrench members of Staff but to add to the number when it turns into a university.

“We are here to check the number of staff, number students, the facilities that are in place to know how ready you are,” she noted.

In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Prof. Daniel Udo stated that the College is not only ready but well prepared to become a University of Education.

Prof. Udo listed the facilities and infrastructure all over the College to portray its readiness which includes the ICT unit of the College, describing it as a rescue centre for the State, Tetfund Projects which he said has the capacity to accommodate all Principal Officers and their Supporting Staff including conference rooms for Council, academic Board and Senate.

He assured that the educational technology, the technical education and the entrepreneurial centre is good indication that the college is ready to be upgraded to a university.

Also speaking, the Sponsor of the Bill and Member Representing Eket, Hon. Dr. Nsidibe Akata expressed delight over the College’s preparedness and assured the Legislature’s continued support.

The Committee inspected the administrative block which is 85% near completion, Centre for Education Technology, Entrepreneurship Skills Acquisition Centre, the Computer Science Department and the ICT unit.

The Committee was received by Management Staff including the Deputy Provost Administration, Dr. Udo Ekanem, Deputy Provost Academics, Dr. Jeremiah Iweh, Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan, Registrar, Barr. Augustine Udoibet, Director of Works, Arch. Anietie Ukpanah, Chairman of the Council of Unions of the College, Pst. Etukikpong Bassey, President of the Student Union Government, Ms. Elsie Emmanuel and Representatives of the community and other Stakeholders.

Members of the Committee present were Member Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Hon. Jerry Otu; Member Esit Eket /Ibeno, Hon. Engr. Udobia Udo; Member Uruan, Dr. Itoro Etim.

Health commissioner, lawmaker, chairmen, ors commend Ime Okon on medical outreach for constituents

In the opening ceremony of the free medical outreach for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, dignitaries have expressed joy and enthusiasm towards the health services sponsored by Rt. Hon. Ime Okon to give succour to the health needs of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Constituents.

While declaring the event open earlier today, the health commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John said that free medical outreach is a great feat because healthcare is not cheap while appreciating the House of Representatives Member for giving priority to the health of his constituents.

In his remark, the Member representing Itu Ibiono Ibom in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien said that as a Chairman, House Committee on Health, Food and Nutrition, he was glad to identify with the programme.

“As the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Food and Nutrition, I can say that the programme is well organised. The medical personnel brought together are qualified medical professionals, and I know whatever they are doing here are in consonant with the best practices.

“This is the best thing to do for our people as some of them suffer from one illness to the other. It is a way of alleviating the pains of the people, and I really appreciate Rt. Hon. Ime Okon for this. I encourage Itu/Ibiono Ibom Constituents to take advantage of the opportunity.”

In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman for Ibiono Ibom LGA, Hon. Asuakak Umoh commended Rt. Hon. Ime Okon for not stopping at the ongoing projects undertaken by him in both LGAs, but also thinking of the wellness of his people.

“I appreciate the Federal Lawmaker for not stopping at the ongoing projects, ranging from road constructions, solar light installations, construction of classroom blocks in Primary schools, payment of school fees to indigent students, but also thinking of the wellness of his people, is quite commendable.

“I know he does not like his good deeds to be taken to social media, but I want to say that this is a great feat, and we are unified to support good leadership.”

The Executive Chairman for Itu LGA, Hon. Ubong Nkutt said that Itu people are lovers of good things, noting that it was the reason why Itu was in support of the leadership style of Rt. Hon. Ime Okon.

He added that Itu people are aware of the several ongoing projects undertaken by the member and running side-by-side in both Local Government Areas, saying Itu people will continue to support him and pray for more impactful strides.

Earlier, in his opening speech, the Itu/Ibiono Ibom representative in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon said that the free medical event is a way of giving back to society, and healthcare is a fundamental human right.

“The medical outreach is not just an event; it is a manifestation of our collective effort to address some of the pressing health challenges that affect us in our day-to-day lives. It is indeed an honour to serve as your representative in ensuring that healthcare, which is a fundamental human right, is brought to your doorstep.”

He said that the outreach provides more than medical screening and treatment, that health education, awareness, and empowerment are part of the services provided.

He especially appreciated the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State for outstanding health impact in the area, which has given inspiration for the outreach.

Elders and other stakeholders in Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs were present on the occasion, and they include Obong Israel Utit, Dr. Iniobong Essien, Hon. Etop Idung, Obong Nsima Umoh, Isantim Chruchill Udoh, Cmd. Unyime Leo – PDP Chapter Chairman, Ibiono Ibom LGA, Hon. Nsikanabasi Ukobot – Immediate past Transition Chairman, Ibiono Ibom LGA, Mrs Inemesit Maxwell – Chapter Women Leader, Itu LGA, Councillors, Supervisors of both LGAs and others.