USSI, GRADUALLY REGAINING ITS LOST GLORY

By Inemesit Ebu

Activities are gradually returning to the prestigious Union Secondary School Ibiaku, USSI, after years of indolence which affected the school in many ways. The population of the school dropped while academic activities were affected.

Recently, during the just concluded graduation ceremony for the outgoing 2020/2021 session students, it could be seen that life has gradually returned to the school.

With the assistance of the old girls under the umbrella of Union Secondary School, Ibiaku, Old Girls’ Association, USSIOGA, structures like the school’s library, dining hall, kitchen, etc have been given face-lifts. These have given hope to teachers, students and parents to look forward to a brighter future of the school.

According to the current Principal, Mrs Ubong Akpanudo, who is also an old girl, she said she has been grateful that God is using the old girls of USSI mightily to transform the school and with her presence as the Principal, she knows where things had gone wrong having been in the school in those days when discipline was the watchword and facilities were of high standard.

There were some important activities at the graduation ceremony. Key amongst them was the presentation of awards to deserving students and teachers in various subjects and fields, sponsored by the old girls.

Awards for best graduating students in different subjects were sponsored by the following:

Ikemesit Ekporo (Economics), Mbang Owolabi (Chemistry, Mathematics & Best Graduating Student), Nsima Udobong (Biology), Ekereobong Aluboh (English Language & Punctuality), Akon Simon (Animal Husbandry), Mercy Edet (Best Graduating student & Senior Prefect), Ekaette Okoi (History/Government), Otobong Udoh (Best Behaved Graduating Student), Imeh Isang (Civic Education & Commerce), Gloria Wilson (English Language, Mathematics & Agricultural Science), Margaret Etim (Physics), Obo Offong (Christian Religious Studies), Maria Onyia (Literature in English & Computer Science), Ibium Ikotidem (Best Dancer), Bassey Baafour (Home Economics/Marketing). Arit Uboh (Financial Accounting), Joyce Ukpong (Dramatic Club), NseAbasi Nathaniel’s (Best Graduating Prefect), Ubong Akpanudo (Best Teacher of the year).

Also, a Special yearly Mathematics award of N5,000 was instituted in the School in honour of Alice Effiong Emah by a teacher, Mr Nsi David Nsi for Best mathematics Student in USSI.

The recipients of the awards were Alice Effiong Emah (Mathematics), Anietie Effiong Emah(Literature in English), Alice Effiong Emah (Agricultural Science), Idara Kokoette Sunday (Christian Religious Knowledge), Nsisong Aniekan (Animal Husbandry), Alice Effiong Emah (Chemistry), Alice Effiong Emah (Computer Science), Blessing Mfon Ndarake (Financial Accounting), Joy Yakedoho Akpan (English Language), Alice Effiong Ema (Biology), Alice Effiong Emah (Economics), Blessing Mfon Ndarake (Commerce), Favour Anietie Umana (Marketing) Alice Effiong Emah (Physics), Joy Yakedoho (Civic Education), Favour Anietie Umana (Government), Gladys Ndifreke Thompson (Best Behaved Student), Blessing Mfon Ndarake (Best Dancer), EtoroAbasi Edet Okon (Best Performing Prefect), Patience Henry Bassey (Best in Dramatic Club), Mr. Nsi David Nsi (All-round Teacher of the Year), Mrs. Gloria Akan (Best Teacher of the Year), Sarah Michael (Punctuality) and Alice Effiong Emah (Best Graduating Student).

In appreciation, the Principal, Mrs. Akpanudo thanked all the old girls who sponsored the awards, the teachers and parents for their support. She hopes that all the students will be great Ambassadors of USSI. She wished all the students success in their future endeavours.

Throughout the history of USSI, there has always been a symbol that exemplifies pride and discipline. It was a school that shaped the lives and well-being of the girls that studied there. From personal hygiene to handling of chores, discipline and Christian lifestyle, it was a school that prepared the young girls for the future.

USSI was one of the best Secondary Schools in Nigeria where parents and guardians had wished their daughters to obtain their educational training from, because of its sound moral standards and discipline. The school had been that of defining the future of the girls through the various Principals who made themselves available for the services of inculcating the sound standards in the lives of the young girls.

With the number of graduating students in this session, it is hoped that USSI is gradually regaining its lost glory and with the assistance of USSIOGA and Akwa Ibom State government, the dilapidated facilities in the school will soon give way to standard structures.