Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Governor of Ebonyi state, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on members of the Presco Old Students Association (POSA) to actively contribute to the growth and development of their alma mater.
Speaking at the 4th Biennial Homecoming Ivory Convention of POSA, Gov.Nwifuru shed light on significance of alumni contributing to the institution that played a crucial role in shaping their lives.
The event which marked the 62nd anniversary of the institution, was themed “Ivory Convention for Consolidation: Harnessing the Efforts of Old Students for Qualitative Education and Improved Infrastructure in Nigerian Colleges”.
Addressing the gathering in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru pointed out some of the challenges facing the education system in the state, particularly the lack of proper skill development among current students.
He expressed concern over the declining quality of education, attributing it to the negligence of teachers and the erosion of discipline in schools.
“Today, some teachers don’t write lesson note and they come to class, and what exactly are they coming to teach?” He questioned.
He added “when you are assessing the students , also access the teachers, you have the authority, to know if they are following the curriculum,” he stated.
Governor Nwifuru urged POSA members to invest in critical educational infrastructure, such as libraries and laboratories, noting that these facilities have a more profound impact on students.
“If you want to change the mindset of the students, you must equip them with a functional library and laboratory,” he said. “I remember when I was in secondary school, the presence of a well-equipped laboratory ensured I passed physics and chemistry.”
He continued, “Presco is lacking in many areas, and this is where we need your support. Bring in more educated and sophisticated teachers. You can’t claim to be a Prescorian and not contribute at the end of the year.
“We need your investment in the school that invested in you. You are cheating us, if you don’t invest in the school that invested in you. Without Presco, you wouldn’t be where you are today,” he remarked.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Engr. Ken Eze, commended the governor for his efforts to restore the glory of public schools in Ebonyi State. “I want to thank our people-oriented governor for ensuring that public schools regain their lost glory. During our time, public schools were the preferred choice, not private schools, which are profit-oriented. Thanks to the governor’s policies in education.
“Presco is our lives, it has made us who we are today, produce wonderful leaders in this country and what we can do is to support the government and that very institution that molded us to the men we came to be.”
He equally advised current students to remain committed and dedicated to their studies, as this will enable them excel to greater heights.
In a similar vein, the National President of POSA, Dr. Cyril Onyemachi Aninwike, while expressing his gratitude to the governor for gracing the event, outlined some of the achievements made by the alumni.
Adding “It is imperative to inform you that our POSA conventions are not just times and seasons of eating and drinking and making merry.
“Rather, these conventions provide the old students the golden opportunities to give back to ur school and the society. Members task themselves and contribute serious funds to be able to embark in infrastructural project or the other in our Alma Mater.
“At the diamond convention in 2022, the old students association took on the complete reconstruction of only hall (WAEC Hall) in the school.
“This project which was started before the 2022 convention was completed within one month in the life of this POSA regime. It cost the association over five million naira in 2022.
“This year we find out that the school was porous, we did perimeter fencing. The estimate was about 20 million naira.
“Today I can tell you that Abakaliki High school has been fully fenced.” He stated.
The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti.
Her speech, titled “Evolution of Education Systems, Harnessing Alumni Capital, and the Leadership Question in National Development,” explored the historical progression of education and the impact of emerging technologies like ChatGPT on educational systems.
Prof. Oti emphasized the crucial role of alumni in adapting to these changes and promoting educational leadership.
The event also featured award recognitions, including a special honor for Prof. Oti for her outstanding contributions to society. Additionally, the POSA Legacy Award was presented to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) for establishing Abakaliki High School, formerly known as Presbyterian College (Presco), as a model of educational excellence.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included the immediate past Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu; Ebonyi State Commissioner for Infrastructural Development for Concession, Engr. Obasi Abara; General Obi Abel Umahi; and Chief Ben Okah, among other prominent figures.