By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
Through the Ministry of Education, the Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to reverse Government College Ikom, (GOVISCO), to an “All Male School” as it was conceived and operated in 1961 before its change.
The House urged the Ministry of Education to take steps to transfer the female students in the school to other colleges of their choice within Ikom.
Members adopted the resolutions after deliberating on a motion by the Member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency and Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang.
In his submission, Abang noted that GOVISCO was established on the 13th of April, 1961 as Ikom Country Council School with its first Governing Board chaired by Mr. F.N. Akumjom who was a Counselor in the then Eastern Nigeria under Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam as Governor.
According to Abang, the school started with 40 students and five teachers under its first Principal, Revd. Father Brian J. Twomey. He said that GOVISCO was an all-boys boarding school until 1997 when it became a day school adding that in 2010, the then Commissioner of Education, Professor Offiong E. Offiong approved the enrollment of female students into the school.
The Lawmaker maintained that GOVISCO enjoyed equivalent status with schools like Mary Knoll, Hope Waddel, and Kings College before its gradual decline adding that it has produced many professionals who are willing to invest in the development of their Alma mater.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House, a co-sponsor of the motion, Hon. Sylvester Agabi stressed that female students in the school should be enrolled in other secondary schools in Ikom town.
The Lawmakers noted that returning the school to its “all-male status ” will further enhance academic excellence. They also agreed that the request of the “Old Boys” on the reversal of the school should be approved to encourage their investment in their Alma mater.
The House agreed that since the “old boys were ready to partner with the government to develop the school, it is imperative to support them to do so.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem noted that the preponderance of the opinions of the Lawmakers favored the adoption of the motion as the resolution of the Assembly.