Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology Nung Ukim, Ikono Local Government Area has held its yearly Solemn Assembly as it was a harvest of thanksgiving, praises and testimonies where the Management, staff and students gathered to usher in the year and commit same into the hands of God.
The event which was held at the College Assembly Hall, had in attendance heavy presence of members of the institution’s Management staff led by the College Acting Rector, Amb. Vincent Essien, Academic and non-academic staff, the leadership of Students Union Government, students and invited guests witnessed overflow of joy and God’s presence throughout the duration of the religious ritual.
To set the tone for the event, and what Solemn Assembly meant for the College and its significant attendant to the spiritual needs of Christians, the Acting Rector of the College, Amb. Vincent Essien thanked God Almighty for His love, divine direction and protection which have sustained the College over the years, despite its under-development status.
Amb. Essien described the Solemn Assembly as one religious tonic designed to commune with God with a view to breaking insurmountable hurdles and challenges; hence, his decision to make Solemn Assembly a yearly tradition since he assumed the office of Acting Rector of the College.
The Acting Rector used the occasion to talk copiously on the impact of Solemn Assembly which according to him has yielded positive results as reflected on the successes recorded by the institution lately. Elder Vincent Essien took time off to passionately extol and celebrate the unmatchable leadership qualities and achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel as the Governor of the State. His words:
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“Governor Udom’s declaration of state of emergency on education in the state is a fortiori that Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim Ikono, will be a direct beneficiary of His Excellency’s well thought out and tailored plans for our educational sector.”
He thanked Governor Udom for constituting the Governing Council of Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology as well as appointing Barr. Ime Bassey Okon as its Chairman who he hoped will bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment.
According to Elder Essien, Barr. Okon has already swung into action by initiating lofty ideas and sophisticated frame work that will transform the College in no distant period. Amb. Vincent Essien used the occasion to appeal to Governor Udom Emmanuel to sign into law, the Bill concerning the Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Nung Ukim, Ikono, as passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; with the passage of the Bill and the possible assent to it by the State Government will attract better things to the College.
In his homily, the Guest Preacher, Evang. Iniobong UfanAbasi assured that Mercy is going to speak for the Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology because the Angel of God has intervened on the College’s matter. Evang. UfanAbasi, who took his text from Zach. 1:16, on the theme: “God of Mercy and Grace”, described the College as the Jerusalem of our time where the Lord of host shall comfort and show mercy and that God has promised to return to Jerusalem. The seasoned evangelist declared that God’s mercies for the College, his people and situations will spread prosperity within the area and abroad.
He concluded his sermon by appealing to the Governor to confirm the appointment of the Acting Rector of the Institution, Amb. Vincent Essien, and by extension, signing into law, the bill of the College.
Other speakers at the event were the College Chaplain – Pastor Imoh Udo, Mr. Ekwere Isaiah, Samuel Oworekpe – Acting Registrar of the College and others. The event had in attendance, Mr. Francis Etim, Director Special Duties, Sir Michael Ukonyang KCW, PRO, All Heads of Department, Heads of Unions, Deans of Schools, SUG, students and others.
This year’s Solemn Assembly of the Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology, Ikono featured prayers for the State, the Governor and the College; testimonies from Unions, choir ministrations from COSTCAST, TACSFON, Drama, offering, Bible reading and others.
In a related development, members of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology’s Chapter, have passed a vote of confidence on the Acting Rector of the College of Science and Technology, Amb. (Dr.) Vincent Essien for his doggedness, zeal, determination and passion in managing the affairs of the College despite being confronted by some enigmatical spectacles.
In a motion duly raised and seconded by Comrades Emmanuel Asuquo Akpan and Dr. Joseph Thomas at a Congress held on 10th February, 2021 by the Union – ASUP AKWATECH Chapter scored Amb. (Dr.) Vincent Essien high for his performance since he took over as the Acting Rector of the College.
The release as signed by the Chairman of ASUP-AKWATECH Chapter, Comrade Sylvanus Ben and his secretary, Comrade Iniabasi Ikpe cited the following achievements of Amb. Vincent Essien to include: prompt promotion of qualified academic staff and others, prompt processing and approval of “work study” for members, unhindered supports of Unions and projects in the College, unhindered access to his office by all staff in the College, prompt response to staff complaints, diligent and purposeful synergy with agencies of Government towards the passage and signing into law the College Bill as well as the overall development of the College and other sundry matters
