The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mkpat Enin Branch, and other stakeholders in the education sector have commended the Chairman of Mkpat Local Government Transition Committee, Hon Mercy Bassey for sustaining her annual science quiz competition.
The commendations were made, Monday, June 17, during the press briefing and official opening of the fourth edition of Hon Mercy Bassey Annual Science Quiz Competition at the local government council.
In his goodwill message, the state chairman of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Mr Michael Effiong, commended Lady Bassey for her ingenuity to create a platform outside the classroom for students to continue exploring knowledge.
Mr Effiong averred that Lady Bassey’s passion for education is bourn out of the fact that she is a professional teacher, adding that her administration has favoured teachers in the area.
On his part, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), Mkpat Enin Chapter, Elder Ifiok Ekanem praised the local government chairman for keying into the ARISE Agenda of the state governor in educational advancement, adding that the annual quiz competition usually provide opportunities for teachers to embrace new challenges.
Also speaking, the Director, Local Education Committee, Mrs Roselyne Udobia noted that students have different abilities and talents and that platforms such as the competition would help them discover more about their abilities.
Former Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Education Monitoring, Mr Udeme Udofia hailed Lady Bassey for keeping the flag of education flying even while she was no longer in school system, adding that education stakeholders in the state are impressed by her commitment and performance.
Earlier in her speech, Hon Bassey noted that the competition was one of her contributions to the struggle to secure the future of the area, adding that the effort is geared towards helping the students learn to think intensively and critically.
“From inception, the objective of this competition, which is now its fourth edition, was to foster a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and effective communication among students.
“We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. Last year, we expanded the competition to include private secondary schools, and Hope Academy, Ikot Ekpe emerged as the champion in the quiz while Community Secondary School, Mkpat Enin came first in the cultural dance competition.
“We are proud to have them on board and look forward to a continued collaboration with all participating secondary schools.
“In our bit to further improve the standard of this highly competitive contest and to accommodate the interest of other students who are not science based, we are introducing a debate this year strictly for the arts students.
“The exclusive nature of the quiz for science students and debate for art students showcases the diversity and inclusivity of this competition,” she added.
The Transition Committeee Chairman further disclosed that for the first time in the history of the competition, cash prizes would be introduced to further motivate the students and teachers.
“As usual, the quiz will cover the following subjects; Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and General knowledge while the debate topic is “Mainstreaming Agriculture in the ARISE Agenda for Food Security”.
According to her, the debate topic was chosen in line with the food security and sufficiency drive of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, adding that the competition which will run till July 11, will feature 24 schools.
The event was well-attended by other members of the state leadership of STAN – Mr Kenneth Udoho, state vice chairman, STAN; Mr Owoideghe Udoakpan, state secretary, STAN; Mrs Obongofiok Mark, state treasurer, STAN; Nsikan Effiong, assistant secretary, STAN; Pastor Amos Afia, secretary, Mkpat Enin Local Government Transition Committee, and other members of the committee, science teachers, Clan Youths Presidents, among others.
