The certificate was presented to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN on Friday, December 1, by the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Addressing the attendees, Minister Mamman highlighted the shortage of teachers in Nigeria and commended the President for graciously approving the establishment of the college.
He expressed optimism about the college’s potential for growth and development, emphasizing the importance of the favorable topography and the numerous opportunities available in the area.
Also speaking, Governor Umo Eno emphasized the significance of quality manpower in the education sector.
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Gov Umo Eno stated that the establishment of the College of Education was a reflection of the state government’s plans for the future.
He acknowledged the efforts of Senator Ita Enang in bringing meaningful development to the Akwa Ibom community.
Governor Eno further noted that the symbolic handing over of the certificate of occupancy, signified that the 94.927-hectare land, which was acquired with not below N95 million from the community, now belongs to the Federal College of Education.
He stressed the importance of education in combating anti-social activities, saying the college holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Dr. Edem Ntuk, expressed gratitude to the President for establishing the College and appointing him as one of the principal officers.
He appreciated the support in terms of waiver for employment, seeking government’s intervention on compensation payments, and infrastructure provision.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom local area, Akuku Ime Udousoro Inyang, expressed his thanks to the Federal Government and President Tinubu for their generosity in granting the Certificate of Occupancy to the People of Ibiono Ibom.
Characterising Senator Ita Enang as a distinguished individual and praising his commitment to the development of the region, the Paramount Ruler also conveyed to the Minister that he envisioned the institution as not only a College of Education, but as a Federal University of Education in the near future.
Similarly, the facilitator of the project, Senator Ita Enang attributed the success of the college’s establishment to the collaboration between the APC-led Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State PDP-led government.
Highlighting the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu’s endorsement for the commencement of the college, Ita Enang shared his gratitude for witnessing the growth of the institution, which he had attended when it was a Teachers’ Training College.
Among the other dignitaries present at the event were the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu; the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Hon (Mrs) Idongesit Etiebet; the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong(Rtd); the Surveyor-General of the State, Mrs Emem Isang; an elder statesman, Arc Otu Ita Toyo, among others.