By Bayo Davids
In a bid to promote education in the society, the Board of Trustees of the The Teacher Essien Ita Itam Foundation has approved scholarship awards to 50 students in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.
The good news was contained in a statement released by the Board, dated December 5, 2023 and signed by Ekpenyong Esien Ita (koko) for chairman listing areas the award covers.
The statement cited by PointblankNews.com revealed that the scholarship cover tuition fees, book allowance, WAEC/NECO examinations fees, as well as boarding fees
“The Fund was set up in 2014 by my late wife, Barrister Temitope Ekpenyong Ita in memory of my late father. She was a strong advocate of access to education by every child, especially the girl child.
“However, access to basic education by every child has since gone beyond the reach of a large number of Nigerian children.
“Consequently, children so deprived are unable to make informed choices about life, provide opportunities, create money or stimulate the economy and a healthier life.
“The ever widening gap between the ‘haves and the have nots’ in educational opportunities in the Cross River South Senatorial District is what the Trust Fund is determined to bridge. I believe that children are the heart of every society and education will enable them to become good citizens to take on life challenges confidently and also contribute to building peaceful, secured and sustainable communities,” the statement read in part.
The foundation ledged its readiness to assist in the training of teachers in the state.
“I am aware that teachers are pivotal and are the fulcrum on which all educational activities revolve. They are indispensable in shaping the minds, attitude and skills of the coming generation. Conversely teachers also need the skills, knowledge and support that will enable them meet the diverse learning needs of the next generation. In order to achieve the aim of education for all, more teachers need to be recruited and trained or replaced as they leave the profession.
“Accordingly, because of the shortage of teachers in some schools in the Senatorial District, the Trust Fund has employed eight (8) temporary teachers for Government Secondary School, Creek Town and Government Technical College, Efut Ibonda. The Trust Fund has also provided 15 computers to Edgedley Memorial Girls’ Secondary School, Calabar.
“The Foundation therefore urges the state government to look into the issue of lack of teachers in educational institutions. Attention should be paid to rehabilitation of learning institutions and basic school facilities must be put in place. There must be monitoring and evaluation of the system in addition to improved allocations to the education sector,” the statement further read.
Mr. Ita called on the beneficiaries to properly utilize the opportunity as there will be a termly assessment of their performances.
The beneficiary schools include Hope Waddell Training Institution, Calabar; St. Patrick’s College, Calabar; West African People Institute Calabar; Edgerly Girls Secondary School, Calabar; Government Technical College, Odukpani; Government Secondary School, Creek Town; Government Secondary School, Adiabo; Duke Town Secondary School, Calabar, amongst others
Teacher Ekpenyong Ita Foundation was established in 2014 by Mrs Temitope Ekpenyong Ita to help indigent students, especially the girl child, get access to free and quality education.