It was a moment filled with nostalgia when hundreds of School of Arts and Science, Uyo Old Students Association (SASOSA) converged at Barth Ebong Hall, University of Uyo Annex, to celebrate the pioneer principal of the school, Chief B. A. Nyong.
The event which took place on Friday March 7,featured public lectures, presentation of goodwill messages and panel discussion. The occasion also afforded old students of the defunct School of Arts and Science, SAS, opportunity to carefully reflect on the impact the administration of Chief Nyong had on them.
Opening the floor for the occasion, the National Chairman, SASOSA and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Fire Service, Ignatius Ekwere FNMGS, said the essence of the gathering was to pay tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to shaping minds, inspiring greatness, and leaving an indelible mark on the sands of time.
He noted that Chief Nyong’s legacy remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, his passion for excellence, and his generosity of spirit.
The National Chairman recalled that the guidance, and mentorship of Chief Nyong shaped them into the individuals they are today.
“As we celebrate this milestone birthday with a public lecture, we are reminded of the profound impact he and the other teachers has had on our lives.
“We are forever grateful for the lessons they taught us, the values they instilled in us, and the memories we shared at the defunct School of Arts and Science (SAS) Uyo.
“As old students of the defunct School of Arts and Science (SAS) Uyo, we had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the transformative power of efficient and effective education. Having seen how selfless educators, who gave of themselves tirelessly, can shape young minds, inspire greatness, and leave an indelible mark in the State and beyond. This occasion is intended to cascade the impact of the celebrant to younger generations while challenging education administrators to leave resonating legacies behind them.
“Today, we urge you, our serving principals, teachers and administrators to continue in this noble tradition. We urge you to strive for excellence in all that you do, to be driven by a passion for teaching, and to be guided by a commitment to the well-being and success of your students.
“We encourage you to remember that the impact you have on your students will be felt for generations to come. The lessons you teach, the values you instill, and the memories you create will mold and shape their minds and hearts as they become the leaders, innovators, and managers of tomorrow.
“We therefore charge you to be bold, innovative, and courageous. Take risks, challenge your students, and push them to reach their full potential. You’ll need to be selfless, be generous with your time and expertise, and be willing to go the extra mile for your students. Always remember that the true measure of your success will not be in the grades your students achieve or the accolades they receive, but in the positive impact you have made on their lives to help change and shape our society years after.”The National Chairman said.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. EnoAbasi Urua, Director, School of Basic Studies, Ediene Abak, University of Uyo, described Chief Nyong as a disciplinarian who administrative style has influenced her life.
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Prof. Urua who spoke on, “Chief B. A. Nyong, The Man and Vision: School of Arts and Science (SAS) Uyo in Respect”, revealed that the Pioneer principal of the school, managed SAS for 14 years, adding that Chief Nyong was a visionary and intentional administrator.
Prof. Antiaobong Ekong who spoke on “Leadership in an Educational Institution: The Chief B. A. Nyong’s Model”, harped on the importance of school administrators to be properly trained, certified, and demonstrate empathy while dealing with students.
“You cannot be an excellent administrator without having appropriate certifications in that field.”
The academic don warned against appointing people into positions as political compensation.
Pastor Godwin Ukwat who spoke on “Impacting Generations:The School of Arts and Science (SAS) Uyo Example”, cautioned secondary school students against negative peer pressure.
Mr. Emmanuel Asanga, a retired Permanent Secretary who once served Chief Nyong as Secretary, narrated the impact of the man on his entire life.
The man also spoke on “School of Arts and Science (SAS) Uyo; A lost Treasure”.
Responding to all the accolades accorded him, the celebrant, Chief Nyong, described School of Arts and Science Uyo as a child of circumstance whose impact still resonates.
He recalled how the school was established and commended the old students of SAS for putting up event of such magnitude.
The Akwa Ibom State NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, in his goodwill message, commended the old students of SAS, but expressed worry on the standard of education in the country and why most teachers are not leaving any legacy behind.
Another goodwill message was presented by the representative of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, STAN, Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Michael Effiong , Fellow of STAN.
The highpoint of the ceremony was cutting of cake by Chief Nyong and dance presentation by one of the participating secondary schools.
The event had in attendance dignitaries and secondary school students from other schools who used the opportunity to interact with discussants.
