GOVERNING COUNCIL STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECH UNDERTAKES NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

•••Highlights Gov Emmanuel’s Revolution in Education

•••Seeks Ikono TRC, Unions’ Collaboration

As part of their avowed determination to deliver on the mandate bestowed on them by the State Governor; Mr Udom Emmanuel, the Governing Council of the College of Science and Technology, yesterday, embarked on a needs assessment visit to the College situated at Nung Ukim in Ikono Local Government Area.

The Governing Council led by its Chairman; Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon, alongside members of the council, upon arrival, were taken on a guarded tour around the institution by the Acting Rector; Elder Vincent Udo Essien, before proceeding to an interactive session with the Management Staff, Union leaders as well as the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

Barr. Okon who stated emphatically that Governor Udom Emmanuel has shown sufficient commitment in the development of the institution, assured that, staff and students’ welfare will be taken as priority by the Governing Council.

He noted that the Emmanuel-led administration had since declared a total revolution in the education sector, saying education forms the crux of the Akwa Ibom state government’s focus in this year’s budget.

According to the immediate-past Deputy Leader and Member representing Ibiono Ibom in the State House of Assembly, the educational revolution declared by the governor, comes with a physical revamp of infrastructure, retraining of teachers, employment of new ones, and security of facilities.

He expressed government concern on the deplorable state of infrastructure in the institution.

He promised to draw Government attention to the deplorable condition of the infrastructure in the institution, saying, “considering the emergency His Excellency has declared on the education sector, the renovation and reconstruction
will be tackled headlong.”

The Governing Council boss who pointed out that the facility was still operating as College of Arts and Science without transforming to College of Science and Technology, announced Council’s plan to set up a transition committee to facilitate the metamorphic process. He said if there will be minor changes during the transformation process, such changes would be to the advantage and for the development of the institution.

The Governing Council Chairman, however, solicited the cooperation, synergy and support of the management staff, Union leaders, students and other employees of the State-owned College of Science and Technology to enhance smooth and harmonious working relationship for the institution’s dreams, aims and objectives to be achieved.

In a remark, the Acting Rector of the College, Elder Vincent Udo Essien, expressed delight over the appointment of Barr Ime Okon and members of the Governing Council, describing them as men and women of proven integrity, astute administrators and professionals who have served in different leadership positions in and outside the State.

Elder Vincent Udo stated that the Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim Ikono was first established as school of Remedial studies in 1997 and was later changed to College of Arts and Science in 2003 and further elevated to its present status in 2017 by His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

The Acting Rector also informed that the College has produced great men and women in diverse human endeavour since her inception about 23 years ago and has equally won accolades, prizes and
commendations from stakeholders in the education sector adding that the recent rating of the college as the overall best in IJMB examination and the best state owned polytechnic in Akwa Ibom State and 62nd most outstanding polytechnics in Nigeria is evergreen in their memories.

He said the institution has enjoyed unwavering support from the staff, unions, students and the most especially the host communities.

In their separate remarks, Comr. Slyvanus Ben, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comr. Michael Umofiah, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), Comr. Aniebiet Sam, Chairman, Non Academic staf of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Comr. Edidiong James, SUG President assured the Governing Council of their readiness and cooperation to support the institution in all ramifications in order to meet the required educational standards.

Earlier, on arrival at Ikono Local Government Area, the Chairman and members of the governing Council of the College alongside the Rector had met with the Ikono Traditional Rulers Council to seek Royal blessing, advice and support of the traditional stool for the effective and efficient discharge of duties in the college.

Barr Okon informed the Ikono Traditional Rulers’ Council that the State Governor was working hard to give Akwa Ibom the kind of education system she needs to build a pool of manpower that will match its new skill needs of an industrialised State.

He however, solicited the cooperation and support of the Ikono Traditional Rulers’ Council to Governor Emmanuel’s completion agenda.

The Governing Council Chairman, Rt Hon (Barr) Ime Okon was accompanied by other board members, including Obonganwan Lovina UmohEfa and Hon. Ubong Emem Ekefre.