Ukorebi Esien | February 5, 2026
ODUKPANI– Students and teachers across beneficiary schools in Odukpani Local Government Area have expressed deep gratitude to the House of Representatives member for Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Rep. Bassey Akiba, following his far-reaching Educational Support Programme that eased the burden of schooling for hundreds of learners.
The appreciation followed the distribution of school bags, exercise books and the payment of school and examination fees for pupils and students in examination classes, an intervention executed through the Bassey Akiba Foundation.
In a formal Letter of Acknowledgement dated February 3, 2026, the Head Teacher of one of the beneficiary schools, Mrs. Affiong N. Ekpenyong, conveyed the collective appreciation of school authorities, pupils and the host community.
Beyond the written commendation, school administrators and teachers who witnessed the exercise described the initiative as a rare and sincere grassroots intervention.
The Principal of Government Comprehensive High School, Ikunitu, Mr. Inyang Inyang, said the programme had restored hope to families who were struggling to keep their children in school.
Similarly, the Deputy Head Teacher of Pisan Primary School, Yawo Kulika, Mrs. Nyamise Nyufum, said the intervention came as a pleasant surprise, especially as the school had not benefited from previous editions.
Community leaders and education stakeholders have described the initiative as a strong statement that investing in education remains the most sustainable path to youth development and societal progress.
The appreciation followed the distribution of school bags, exercise books and the payment of school and examination fees for pupils and students in examination classes, an intervention executed through the Bassey Akiba Foundation.
In a formal Letter of Acknowledgement dated February 3, 2026, the Head Teacher of one of the beneficiary schools, Mrs. Affiong N. Ekpenyong, conveyed the collective appreciation of school authorities, pupils and the host community.
"I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the bags and books sent to our school. The head teacher of the school thanks you for your good effort; the teachers, the children and the community also thank you for your good work. I pray for God to guide you and give you long life and more grace from God Almighty in your office," the letter read."Once again, I say thank you," she added.
Beyond the written commendation, school administrators and teachers who witnessed the exercise described the initiative as a rare and sincere grassroots intervention.
The Principal of Government Comprehensive High School, Ikunitu, Mr. Inyang Inyang, said the programme had restored hope to families who were struggling to keep their children in school.
He prayed for continued success for the lawmaker, noting that Rep. Akiba's actions reflected genuine representation and compassion for ordinary people at the grassroots.
"This exercise has come to raise hope for the hopeless. For many years, we have not seen this kind of intervention done directly. This time, the team moved into the communities and schools. We are very happy," he said.
Similarly, the Deputy Head Teacher of Pisan Primary School, Yawo Kulika, Mrs. Nyamise Nyufum, said the intervention came as a pleasant surprise, especially as the school had not benefited from previous editions.
Students, speaking through representatives in several schools, described the support as life-changing, noting that many had feared dropping out due to financial challenges. One message from beneficiaries captured the mood:
"This year, the foundation came not only with learning materials but also paid the school fees for our children. We are very grateful. This will go a long way in alleviating poverty because parents find it very difficult to pay fees and buy materials," she stated.
The Educational Support Programme targets pupils and students in Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3, covering school fees, examination fees, school bags and exercise books, and forms part of Rep. Akiba's broader commitment to educational empowerment over material handouts.
"Many of us had begun to fear that our dreams were too heavy for our circumstances, but your kindness lifted the weight from our shoulders and taught us that greatness can rise from humble places."
Community leaders and education stakeholders have described the initiative as a strong statement that investing in education remains the most sustainable path to youth development and societal progress.
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