ETIM EFFIONG
Old Students Association of the Methodist Secondary School, Ibiaku Isshiet, Uruan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State has donated a new library to the school.
The fully air-conditioned library worth over N20 million was completed within a period of six months and named after a former principal of the school, Mr Asuquo Inyang.
The president of the Old Students Association, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Inyang Ekwo, said the project has been the priority of the association, adding that it was designed to replace the dilapidated structure of the first ultra-modern library built in the 1970s.
Justice Ekwo related other projects sponsored by the association to include brass bands, cultural drums, cultural costumes, and two sets of football jerseys, among others.
He said: “It is important to state that the library project is just one in the series of other vital projects which the old students will undertake for the school.
“We therefore implore the students to protect and preserve the library and the amenities thereof so that they will have something to leave behind for the generations behind them.”
The principal of the school, Mr Edet Ekanem, also a member of the association, who said the school was an institution of national repute and character, noted that the library project was a dream that has become a reality.
According to Ekanem, a library was an important item of civilisation. He added that he was hopeful that it would produce great men and women.
The principal revealed that the library will always be open between 8 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and 8 am to 12 noon on Saturday to both students and non-students.
He said insufficient classroom blocks, perimeter fence, dilapidated laboratory and classroom blocks, non-functional ICT unit, and leaking roofs are some of the challenges confronting the school.
While inaugurating the library, chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Mrs Ekaette Ebong (PhD), the representative of the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, donated N100,000 to equip the library with books.
She also took up the secondary school education sponsorship of the JS3 students who presented a traditional ballad at the event, after she learnt the boy lost his father.
Some of the students who expressed delight at the library said they were thrilled that they would be making use of the facility.
Mkpoikana Iniabasi and Patience Etim, both Senior Secondary I students of the school said, “I prefer this new one to the old one. I am happy we now have a library.”