Obun, Enang at the ceremony.

NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Ibiono

The newly constituted governing board of the Federal College of Education, Iditep, Ibiono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has begun its tour of duty. Led by the activist and frontline chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Cletus Obun, the board reported at the Institution on Monday.

Speaking at a brief reception ceremony, Obun appreciated all concerned for the opportunity granted him to serve in that capacity. “It is an honour to have you join me today, the first of September, 2024, to mark the beginning of my tenure as pioneer chairman of the governing council, of this prestigious and pristine Federal college, in our dear State, Akwa-Ibom.  I am grateful to all of you for extending such an extraordinary warm welcome to me, not just as your chairman, but brother and comrade,” Obun said.

Obun, a former lecturer and lawmaker, added: “Let me once again, appreciate Mr President, the Commander-In-Chief, for finding me fit and worthy to be appointed to head this board. I am deeply humbled and truly honoured by the trust placed on me to advance the success of our college,” he pledged.

He also thanked the President of the Senate and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio for his support. Obun said he is confident that “with the Senate President coming from the state, attracting projects for the rapid development of the college is guaranteed.”

On the role of the facilitator who brought Institution to its location, Obun was full of praise, noting that “I will also eulogize the gigantic feats of my bosom friend, colleague and brother, Senator Otuekong Ita S. Enang, whose good heart has manifested by the birth of the Federal College of Education in this community”.

In attendance at the inaugural meeting was the provost Dr. Edem Ntuk, and his management team which includes the registrar, and bursar among other officials.

The pioneer provost who a welcomed the board on behalf of his management members, pledged to be diligent while cooperating with the Board “towards achieving a college community of our collective dreams, that is in tandem with the ideas of Mr. President and accordance with exigencies in the Federal Ministry of Education.”

Members of the Governing Council of the College include; Hon. Cletus Obun,   Chairman of the Council, Dr. Edem Ntuk who is the Provost, Nsemeke Udoakpan the Registrar,  Chief Stanley Anyim, Mr. Pius Ekireghwo, NCCE Representative  Mr John Astumbe, Marijane Barong Akan, Member Muhammad Aliyu Gada  –   Member Mr Sam O. Etu FME Representative, etc, Dr Celina Nongo is the College Librarian while Mr Samuel Oyigocho is the Bursar

Highlights of the inaugural visit were courtesy calls on Senator Ita Enang, the village council, and the paramount ruler of Ibiono Local Govt Area.

Senator Otuekong Ita Solomon Enang erstwhile aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, who is the architect behind the project, also gave counsel, harping on the travails, success stories and way forward for the virgin FCE, Iditep.

Enang pledged to be supportive of the council members, the management team and the entire entourage to make this a dream come true.

Senator Enang said; “For me, as the father and architect of this prestigious institution, I would give my all and I mean everything humanly possible to actualize this in total fulfilment to the will of God and betterment of my people.

The Paramount Ruler of Ibiono-Ibom Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Majesty, Okoko-Udosoro Inyang declared his total commitment to the project and also promised the internal security of management, staff, students and everyone that is connected to the college community.

Speaking also at the New Yam Festival at the palace of the paramount ruler, the member representing Ibiono at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien declared total support, stating that it was joyful that this is happening during his tenure in the House of Assembly. He implored the college council and management team to be unbiased in the discharge of their duties, beckoning on the chairman to always carry the Ibiono people along when employment opportunities arise.

Briefly, after the meeting and reception at the Obong’s palace, was a warm reception at Senator Enang’s country home, where he thanked the council chairman and members for work well done. After the courtesy visit, the stakeholders inspected the facilities in the school, and the college community and laid out strategies for the takeoff and day-to-day administration, admission and recruitment