A renowned Professor of Literature and English Studies, Prof. Joe Ushie of the department of English, University of Uyo has called on Akwa Ibom State government to immortalize late Prof. Ime Ikiddeh by naming one of the institution after him having seen his inputs and contributions to Nation building.
Prof. Ushie made the called, on Wednesday, 11th March, when he was presenting a lecture at the 2020 National Conference, organized by school of languages, College of Education, Afaha Nsit, on the Theme: language, literature and Identity in a multicultural Environment, held at the mini theater of the College In Afaha Nsit. Prof Ushie describe language as a tools which integrate nations, break barriers and forster developments.
He also called on the government to give priority to indigenous languages in various institutions to preserved the culture for generation unborn, he noted that language can make or mar a person if not well communicated.
Declaring the four days conference opened, the commissioner for Education Prof. Nse Essien represented by Dr. Kingsly Ekwere commended, the management of the College for their developmental strides in the College, he applauded Dr. Daniel Udo for his visionary leadership within his short stay in office. Essien assured the school management that the state government under the leadership of governor Udom Emmanuel will do everything within her reach to re-brand the College by investing resources both human and financial for effective learning to thrives.
In his address, the College provost, Dr. Daniel Udo poured encomium on the school of languages for always gathering intellectuals to brainstorm and chat a new course thereby expanding the knowledge bases of students and given them opportunity to ask questions apart from their regular classroom routine.
Udo thanked the commissioner for Education Prof. Essien as well as Rt Hon. Godwin Ekpo for their inputs in moving educational sector forward, he used the occasion to pain special tribute to Prof Joe Ushie for playing fatherly roles in his life. Udo disclosed that, college of education is a training ground for professional teachers who want to developed career in education, he advised students of the College to be committed, do their best and contribute to national development.
On her part, the Dean, school of languages, Dr. Gloria Inyang, in her address, maintained that the school under her watch will continue to engaged intellectuals on important issues in our society and canvassed for government to make local languages a core subjects in our higher institutions.
Earlier in her address, Chairman on the occasion, Dr Affiong Isok, who’s the former deputy Provost academic in the College, commended the College management and school of languages for taking the lead in the conference, while calling on Dr. Udo to raised the bar of academic excellence in the College.
High point of the conference was lecture presentation by Prof. Joe Ushie and Dr. Charles Effiong both who spoked on the theme extensively, said the conference is timely as it will help to restored lost glory of our norms and values in our society, the students in their own way thrilled the audience with cultural dances representing various tribes.
Others in the trend of Awardees include, Professor Nse Essien, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Regina Ikpatt, Chairman governing council of the college, Hon, Felicia Bassey, deputy speaker Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Godwin Ekpo, member representing Ibiono in the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and Chairman House committee on education, Prof. Maria Ikorok, Prof Joe Ushiea all who where honoured with Award off Excellence while Dr. Arnold Udoka of the University of Calabar was distinguished for outstanding professional achievement award for the the Promotion of our cultural heritage across Borders.
Other dignitaries at the event include, The deputy Provost Academic, Dr. Esther Andrew, deputy Provost administration, Dr kinglesy Ibritam, HOS Nsit Ibom council, Dr Mmadu Ekpeyong, Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Virginie Ekwere and Members of the Committee, as well as management Staff, Dean’s, Head of Departments And Directors with good numbers of students among others.