By David Nsa
The chaplain of the University of Calabar chapel of redemption, Reverend Nsa Eyo has called on teachers to seek ways that will positively impact on students in order to have a better society.
Eyo who argued that learning does not end in the classroom as students transfer what they learn to the younger ones and the society, made the call while delivering a lecture at a solemn assembly organised as part of activities marking the 120th anniversary of the Edgerley Memorial Girls Secondary School Calabar.
“Unless theee is a continuous transmission of the things that Edgerley stands for, you will not reach the next centenary. Unless we find an old girl who has passion for the school and decide to sit in that office (the principal office) they will be no centenary,” Eyo said adding that if there is a, “younger generation interested in the things of the school I believe our next centenary celebration will be greater than this.”
The principal, Mrs. Iquo Oku in her remarks commended the anniversary projects embarked on by old student which have given the school a new lease of life.
“The former stage was actually bad, the roof the infrastructure was very bad, but the old girls came back and changed everything. Today we can see some development, all thanks to the old students,” she said.
Oku who promised maximum utilisation of the facilities and equipment installed, pleaded for more and expressed joy that the celebration came during her tenure as principal. “I am so happy that Edgerley is 120 today and it is not just coming and going quietly but it is been celebrated by the old students, by the students and everybody around,” she said.
Oku had in a statement published on the school’s website, said that: The school premises is taking a new look. The Old Girls have come out in great numbers and have arisen to transform, transfix and transition the school into a digital-oriented school of the century. Taking a glance from the gates, you can behold the wonderful brightness: Our Maroon and White everywhere. A walk to the classroom block will captivate you. The staff, both teaching and non-teaching, are excited.
“The girls are indeed smiling and are prepared to incite you with lots of fun! You can feel the aura of joy, tranquility and celebrations. Do not be left out. Come out and let us celebrate. Remember; at least one member of your family must have been touched by the motherly hands of Edgerley. Edgerley has produced many women. She is still in the business of producing elegant women that have positive impact in our society.”
On the impact of the facilities donated by the old students, Miss Mbang Edim, a student averred that: “I am greatful to God, at least now I can now boast of my school unlike before (where) classrooms had no desks but the old girls have come in and looked into it. On behalf of the students we say thank you to the old girls and God bless them all.”
The publicity secretary of the planning committee, Mrs. Charity Ayi told CrossRiverWatch that the decision to begin the week long celebration with a solemn assembly was in line with the principles of the institution.
“We are here as old girls to celebrate God for 120 years of grace and the impact of Edgerley memorial school. We are just thanking God and committing the rest of the activities into God hands,” Ayi said and shared her story as a student.
“As a person, Edgerley has impacted so much in my life. I passed through this school, through great hands with teachers and principals who molded me into the woman I have become today.
“We usually say that Edgerley has produce lots of women and i am proud to become one of those women that this great school have produced. It has been an amazing time to give back to the school. You can’t actually become who you want to be in life without going through your secondary school,” she said.
Leave feedback about this