Ikike Magazine 2020 l Edited by Mrs. Imo Bassey l Designed by Peak Global Media Resource

Ikike

A newsletter of Inoyo Toro Foundation I SEPTEMBER, 2020
12th Anniversary Edition

Education amidst
a Pandemic:

Charting New Horizons

IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

A cross section of the Inoyo Toro mentoring session

About the Contents

Inoyo Toro Foundation 03 Lead Consultant / CEO Thistle Praxis Consulting Limited,
Mrs. Ini Abimbola speaks on Changing The Narrative
We are one of the pioneer Through Education
education Foundations in
8 Beating the Pandemic 2020
Nigeria involved in the
recognition of teachers. 11 12th Teacher's Award for Excellence

Ours is a commitment to the 15 Testimonial of ITF Teachers Award for Excellence
improvement of the standard
22 Awardees at the Inoyo Toro Foundation's 12th Anniversary
of education in Akwa Ibom
state, using teachers as the 24 2019 Award Sponsors and Subject

focal point while 25 ITF Capacity Training 2019
complimenting government's 26 ITF Sponsorship of Pioneer Students at the First Film

efforts in enhancing the Monotechnic in Akwa Ibom State - Royal Art Academy
quality of education. 30 Mentoring programme

32 Education in Akwa Ibom State: Covid-19 Impacts and
Implications

35 The Resilient Teacher

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CHANGING THE NARRATIVE WITH EDUCATION:

A REAL LIFE STORY

MRS. INI ABIMBOLA
LEAD CONSULTANT / CEO
THISTLE PRAXIS CONSULTING LIMITED (TPC)

EXCERPT OF AN ADDRESS AT THE 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INOYO TORO FOUNDATION ANNUAL AWARDS FOR
TEACHING EXCELLENCE IN AKWA IBOM STATE PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 8TH NOVEMBER, 2019.

Mrs. Ini Abimbola giving her address as the guest speaker . She was phenomenal

I would like to thank Mr. Udom Inoyo so women are be er than just being good
much for the honour to be the keynote women in bed. Our men are be er than just
speaker at this event. I honestly do not being gatemen when some people want to
understand why you chose me. You know do the movies. I'm so glad Emem (Isong
me and you know that I stand to speak my Mosidi) is here and I want to salute her,
truth. I also respect the fact that there are mee ng here for the first me, but as a
various and different variables that could researcher I've also followed up on quite a
also be other people's truth, but I like to lot of things. I want to salute you (Emem)
speak my truth. for trying to change the narra ve.

'Ebo ke mbon Akwa-Ibom efofon ndito Our people are be er than that, but what
ufok' (They say Akwa Ibom people are only are we doing within the state to show that
good as house helps). Do I look like an we are be er than that? I want to say to Mr.
'eyen-ufok' (maid)? These are some of the Inoyo, thank you for this fantas c work that
things that I need us to understand, you've done for 12 years. It is not easy to
par cularly you the young ones. We must maintain something for 12 yrs. I've ran a
change the narra ve that comes from our business for 10 years in the consul ng
state. We are be er than cooks. Our space and it's been hell, to say the least. But

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

we must keep pushing on. I will start by night. We didn't see him un l two days later
telling my story, to give you a background. If in the police sta on. My father almost died
you haven't read my profile in the ('Ebo ke eyen ikpagha kpa, asosop, iditang
brochure, please do because I want you to so, edibo ke ikiben inam ibok okuk; enye
read that profile and then try to understand okuk imo ikid-de). A er that incident, my
the story I'm about to tell you and see if you father decided that he would share the
can link it. I'm the daughter of a watch children. So, my mother and I went to stay
repairer, a road side watch repairer. When with her sister whose husband was a clerk
my father used to repair watches, there was and used to work in CBN and they were
no MTN Umbrella. (Ake si e ke mben living in CBN quarters in satellite town
usung; a e adiana shop owo). You know, while the remaining three (older ones),
maybe you have a shop or a small space, stayed with my father in the market. Again,
and you put a small chair and stay there and he had found some small construc on and
repair watches. He had a nylon bag, (that's we stayed there. Life was bi er.
what I grew up to see), that he goes around
with his tools from place to place.

I was born into poverty. Poverty, like some ...but I decided that
of you may never understand; poverty that I will be successful.
you eat from people's dustbin. You can't That I would work hard,
imagine it. Poverty that you eat once a day because I saw my father
and that food is when my father has gone working like a donkey.
round and come back. Some mes people
can't pay him in cash, they would give him At the age of eleven, I was depressed. I
food items and we would make that food wanted to kill myself. But I decided that I
and that's what we would eat and you know will be successful. That I would work hard,
what? 'ebo ke mbon idinieghe okuk esi man because I saw my father working like a
ndito'. We were six children and we lived in donkey. He never used to sleep, but he
a one room apartment. When I was nine, didn't go to school, he didn't have any
we couldn't pay rent, so they threw us out educa on. But my father insisted that I had
of the apartment. My father, at that me, to go to school. ('Eke si bo ke nwed awuwan
had found a small space in a market called inieghe ufon, ado ema edong nwed ima,
Alagbaragun. For those of you who've been amaka adikidung awoden, afon awoden
in Lagos, it is somewhere around ufok). My father, even though he was an
Okokomaiko. They used to sell rams in that illiterate and didn't go to school,
market. All the Mallams from outside, you understood the value of educa on. He
know, from the North, would come with the insisted even in that state, that we would go
trucks and that's the ram market in Lagos. to school. And we went to public schools.
So he had a small space, he begged one of We didn't go to private schools. There were
the people; they gave him a small box like a really no private schools at those mes.
shop. When they threw us out, that's Even if there were private schools, my
where we all went to live, inside that small father would never have been able to
shop - father, mother, six children. One day,
fire gu ed the market, and we started
running up and down with all our nylon
bags on our heads. We ran. My youngest
brother got missing that night. It was in the

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

afford it. else. All these schools s ll exist. I was senior
prefect (girls), form four and form five.
At eleven I sat for the common entrance
examina on and got admission into federal In form Four, some of us a empted the final
government college, Iyanike. When we got exam. The fee was N75.00. My father could
there, my father had gone to check the list not afford it. Seventy-five naira! And so, I
and my name was there. They gave him the remember very vividly that we were just 50
list of things to pay for and it was about students and 49 registered. There was just
N3000. By the me he came back they had one person that did not register. The
used pex to pex (i.e. remove) my name. principal then, Mr. Frimpong; he was a
Somebody else had paid and they had Ghanaian; he said “who is this person, we
wri en somebody else's name with a biro. I have 50 students”? And they said, “Oh! It's
didn't go to Federal Government College. I Ini”. He called me to his office and asked
went to a regular public school. why I hadn't registered and I told him my
father was the watch repairer at the
I don't know which kind of lives you these market. He sat at a vantage posi on. You
children live. You may think that things are know those things children used to lie
so bad, your parents are poor. “Who would about when they get to the university? I
help me, if I see one poli cian, he will help could not lie because everybody knew my
me; he is my local government Chairman or, father. And that's why up ll today, I'm
may be, that my father's brother. My father proud. Anybody that knows me will tell
was the last born of three children. The first you; I say it (“ke ami ndo adiaha adiong
two, of course, were managing life. There nkanika”). I am the proud daughter of a
was no father's brother or sister to go to. In roadside watch repairer and a pe y trader.
secondary school, I did well. From form
four, I was senior perfect (girls), Badagry Don't be ashamed of your background. It is
Grammar school; I didn't go to somewhere what will make you. Your background is

An aerial of the hall during the 12th Anniversary

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Do not let anybody deceive you;
there is no money somewhere even if you go abroad.

what will make you. Your background You know how people are killing
should be the thing that pushes you. themselves to go to Canada now. You would
work like a donkey, that work you refused
I didn't come here to read speeches. I came to do here because there is no freebies. We
to tell you a real life story. When I tell my are so used to freebies. We are wai ng for
story and people read my profile they somebody to help us. Somebody that has
cannot relate it. But I will try to give you the gone to Lagos, somebody that has made it,
linkage. he should come back and help us. There are
no freebies anywhere. People work hard
So the school paid Seventy-five naira for for their money. I don't give money
me. Not Seventy-five Thousand naira anyhow. Anybody that knows me will tell
(N75000). I'm talking about almost forty- you I'm an Ijebu woman to the core. My
five years ago, if not more. The school paid money that I work for, I will not spend it
for me and I did the exam and I passed. anyhow. Perhaps that's why some of us will
A er passing, admission to the university never go into poli cs. I don't have that kind
was a long dream. Who was going to pay of money to spend. It must come from a
the fees? I got admission into Unical, I got place of credibility.
admission into Uniuyo (then Unicross), but
I couldn't go. There was nobody to pay. So I I finished secretarial studies, worked, I did
joined my mother in the market. She used as many small courses as I could lay my
to sell crayfish and pepper and all those hands on and I decided to get married. That
things and I became her Chief pepper seller. was the biggest mistake of my life. I got
And then of course I went to do secretarial married at a me I was not ready. I didn't
studies - type-wri ng and shorthand. know myself; I just wanted to get out of
poverty. I just wanted to help my parents. I
What are you doing? Are you busy got into marriage and I insisted that I must
complaining? Are you busy cursing your go to school. The only bargain for that
father and mother for bringing you into this marriage was that I would go to schools and
world? What are you contribu ng to their yes I went to school, finished university, but
lives? What are you doing to make them I did not stop there. Everything that was
happy for selling their wrapper, selling their learnable, I learnt. There are skills that you
land to send you to school? Are you the kind need to learn. Book is not everything. How
of child that is ashamed of your parents, many of you know how to knit? Whether
your background? There must be you are a boy or a girl? Cooking is not a
something that will ginger your parents to woman's job. Don't believe that lie they
keep pushing you with the li le that they used to tell you. Cooking is a survival skill.
have. “Abasi mmu diongo ke utem ndidia abiong
aya uwod”.
Do not let anybody deceive you; there is no
money somewhere even if you go abroad.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

You must have integrity, my children. You My own values are Faithfulness, Incitement
must have integrity from a tender age. Stop to success, Responsibility and Enthusiasm
telling lies. A person that tells lies a er (FIRE).
some me loses respect. There is nothing
that you would say even if you become TEACHERS
born again twenty mes a liar some mes I want to say something to the teachers:
cannot change. Stop telling lies. Stop taking
what does not belong to you. Study hard. I Thank you for your work; for how much you
worked, got married. At some point I was put in. Thank you for desiring to be part of
doing my work using my secretarial studies, something like this. Thank you for going
then a er I finished, I read English in the through the tests and the screening. But it
University of Calabar (Unical), and I used is not enough. Where is your legacy? Are
that to work. Then at some point the man I you just teaching? 'Ado ema ekod teacher,
was married to le Nigeria for Addis Ababa. afo kene awo ada?”. When you go to bed at
But there I could not work. I was a night what do you aim to be your legacy?
diplomat's wife, so what did I do? I learnt
skills. I didn't just sit down. You know it was When you go
so common to see diplomats' wives; all to bed at night
they do is to go and gossip together from what do you aim
morning ll night. Ini doesn't have me for to be your legacy?
those kinds of things. I learnt skills,
anything that could be learnt I learn it. I The chairman of the screening commi ee
used to come to Nigeria, buy food stuff, go said earlier that when they get there (to
back and sell to all the African schools for on the spot assessment), some
communi es. teachers are just strolling in at 10 O'clock. Is
that a just legacy? Is that something you
You as children what is your plan for your want your students to take away from you?
life? You must plan! The culture of lateness?

Let me tell you some of the things that I I remember when I used to run an Africa -
wrote here: Whites Conference called: Africa See You.

I do not believe in impossibili es. There is The first one, I had the President of Ireland
nothing that is impossible. If you come to to come as my Keynote Speaker. These are
my office, it's right there on the wall. There connec ons that I had, travelling from the
is nothing that is impossible. Recogni on AU to Stanford; and those people trust me.
will only come when you succeed. Make They don't talk to people just because they
sure you succeed. Anybody that buys see you on the global stage. You must be
success buys it for a short me because
money is not everything. The money that
you have that you keep spending is not
riches. That's not wealth. Wealth that
sustains itself is what is called wealth. What
makes a person successful is called values.
What are your values? Do you have values?
As children you must know what your
values are.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

outstanding for them to talk to. So, when I are watching you. The people that made a
called Mary Robinson and said, “Ma'am, mark in my life were my teachers. I will not
I'm star ng this program and I want you to forget.
be the first keynote speaker”, she just told
me “fly me down”. I said I can't afford to pay How many of you know the homes where
for your fees and she said, “buy a first class the children come from? Many of them
come to school, “idiagha mkpo tonngo
cket, arrange security, coordinate with the ubak usen. And you are harsh to them. You
embassy and I will come”. treat them badly. One of the things that I
say to people, “Toyo ke afo nko amenie
ndito”, when you treat people's children
badly.

(FIRE) I have lived with someone as a house girl
and I know how they treated me. Today I
My own values are have the privilege of employing the
daughter of the uncle that I lived with that
Faithfulness, treated me like trash. He didn't think I had a
Incitement to success, future. You treat other people's children
like trash and yet your own children you
Responsibility an give them the choicest part of the chicken.
Enthusiasm You know what? Karma is a bitch. No ma er
how much you pray, God cannot be
confused, he is not man. No ma er how
long it takes.

The second person for the 2nd year was the Be truly interested in the lives of these
former Prime Minister of Norway. She children. Teaching is not a thankless job,
came. The third was the former President because someone knows that; that is why
of the African Development Bank (AFDB). I you are here winning awards. Two Hundred
met him when I was serving on the Africa and fi y-thousand naira (N250,000.00)
council. The World Economic Forum, Africa 'ake do etok okuk'? in this economy?
Council. One of the key things that I no ced Change how you teach. The world is moving
is that excellence means that when it is 9 0' fast, look for a way to adapt to the
clock, it is 9 0'clock. So then, the first one we environment where you teach. Excellence
hosted was in Lagos State. Fashola was the is an a tude you need to have”. How many
Governor then. I had an audience invi ng of you know the birthdays of the children in
him as the Chief host to the event. I said to your class? ‘Afo akpepeb mkpo' for the past
him, “look, I'm bringing in over 25 five years? Build a legacy, keep learning.
interna onal high level people. I said to Don't truncate the lives of these children.
him, “Sir, the event starts by 9 0' clock. If
you are not there by 9, I am going to start”. MENTORS
The man looked at me, I'm sure he was I want to say thank you to the mentors. Find
looking for the person that spoke. how to ac vely change a life. Ask ques ons.
Leadership is by example. Invest in the lives around you. Go the extra
mile. It is the extra mile that has made us to
Respect yourself and respect the change lives today. You don't need to be a
profession that you have. These children millionaire to change lives. Some mes,

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

'Okuk ufok mwed ikanna N27,000'. It's very about pushing the best from our state. It is
li le. Don't say 'I earn too li le'. Look for about us”.
something to do to change one life. I always
say to those of you that are Chris ans when ‘We have to change the narra ve that
you talk about “you want to go to heaven 'mbon nnyin efofon mme lower support
and get that crown”; Will your crown be an jobs'. No, we are far be er than that. I turn
empty crown or there will be light on it that down appointments that don't make sense.
represents the number of lives you have First, look at me then you read my profile
touched? How many would yours be? Think and achievements before you offer me
about it like that. appointment. There must be pride in what
we do. Let us change the narra ve. If we
GOVERNMENT can't kill it let us change it. “That our
Finally, I want to say this to the women are only good to marry and cook
government- congratula ons! on this good food and our men for those small-
partnership with Inoyo Toro Founda on. small jobs”?
Congratula ons, also, Mr. Commissioner,
on the inaugural educa on summit. I was With these few words of mine, I hope I have
supposed to be there but I couldn't. I want been able to convince you and not confuse
to say that I read a bit of the report from the you that we can do be er.
summit but please, don't let it be just talk.
Thank you very much.
CONCLUSION
PUSHING THE AGENDA OF THE STATE
“What makes a state to stand out is
because they push their very best. It is

Mrs. Ini Abimbola addressing the students of Mr. Kufre Ekanem’s adopted school,
State Sec. Com. Sch, Okop Eto Road, Ikot Ekpene

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Editorial

BEYOND COVID-19

*Virtual Educational Interaction *Online Teacher Training

Inoyo Toro Founda on, is a not for profit teachers who reported as technophobic felt
organiza on, non-governmental compelled to try out the virtual space. They
organiza on. The vision of the Founda on were grateful for the experience. The
is to improve the standard of educa on in Akwa Founda on has set up WhatsApp groups for the
Ibom State and teachers are the focal point. The teachers to sensi ze them and equip them with
Founda on complements the efforts of the necessary tools for a be er outcome by the
Government in enhancing the quality of next series of training. Currently, a Microso
educa on through various interven on Cer fica on Program is ongoing to get the
programs. From its investment in the teachers cer fied.
development of the Sciences, Mathema cs,
English Language, Economics and Virtual Arts The Founda on will be organizing mentoring
through its annual awards for teaching sessions via social media pla orms. Teachers,
excellence, the Founda on has served as a Principals and students will interact with
pla orm for well-meaning persons to mentors via Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp
contribute to upli ing our school system. 238 pla orms this year. This will take the place of
teachers and 3 principals spread across the the annual gathering of students from the
three senatorial districts of the State have won adopted schools and their mentors this year.
various awards from the Founda on through a Akwa Ibom State has 262 public secondary
rigorous selec on process. schools and only 93 of these have been
adopted by mentors. The mentoring program is
However, the interrup ons caused by the designed to ins ll winning characters in the
COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a students and help them establish a firm
slowdown in the ac vi es of the Founda on. founda on for a successful tomorrow. With the
Being sensi ve to the en re disloca on of the planned resump on of schools, the Founda on
school system and ac vely alive to its and its mentors will accept the task of advising
responsibili es in the Educa on sector, the and educa ng on safety protocols in the midst
Founda on kick-started series of webinar of the uncertain es brought about by COVID-
trainings for the teachers to keep them 19 pandemic. The months of October and
refreshed and ac ve. Teachers were November 2020 will be dedicated to this and
encouraged to take advantage of the virtual everyone is enjoined to come onboard as
space in learning new methods of teaching and mentors by adop ng the remaining 169 public
generally get acquainted with the benefits of all secondary schools.
it has to offer. The first series of Zoom training
for the teachers took place between 27th and The Founda on has also recorded meaningful
28th of August 2020. The training was tagged impact through other programs and
“ The Resilient Teacher ”. 166 teachers partnerships. These include:
registered for the training. 66 teachers tuned in
across live stream channels on Zoom and on A half hour “call in” radio program on planet
Facebook. At the end of the training, 52% of the FM101.1 every Sunday between 3.00 pm to
teachers a ested to the fact that it was their 3.30pm serves to inform and enlighten the
first Zoom training. A sizeable number of populace on the ac vi es of the Founda on.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

This radio show is also meant to share the Cinematography. The training took place at the
experiences of teachers, students and heads of Academy's office in Uyo.
schools with a view to harnessing resources for
interven on and solu on. Posi ve feedbacks The Founda on organizes training for the
have been recorded from the public. teachers of public secondary schools in order to
hone their teaching skills as well as keeping
The 2011 partnership with Keystone Bank them abreast with current teaching prac ces.
aimed at providing robust ICT centers in four (4) The aim of this is to produce be er teacher who
secondary schools across the three (3) will in turn produce be er students who can
Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom State. The compete with their counterparts in both the
schools are Cornelia Connelly College, Uyo, public and private sector and as the world over.
Independence High School, Ukana East, Essien
Udim, Methodist Boy's High School Oron and These trainings include the capacity training
Salva on Army Secondary School Akai Ubium. usually held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by
Each center was provided with a fully equipped Accenture. The American Interna onal School
computer laboratory serviced by thirty (30) Lagos, provides the venue for yet another
VSAT internet ready computers, a dedicated training sponsored by the Founda on. The
27kva Generator, a Bri sh curriculum and a pandemic inspired compulsory webinar
privately employed Project Coordinator to training for teachers of public schools is the
effec vely coordinate studies across the 4 most recent ini a ve of the Founda on.
schools. This was 9 years ago!
From its modest beginnings in 2007, the
From 2013 – 2015, the Founda on was message of ITF is now being carried in
responsible for organizing the World Malaria electronic media, local and na onal tabloids,
Day Awareness program in Akwa Ibom State social media and through the various
through an inter-secondary school quiz par cipa ng schools and several award
compe on sponsored by Mobil Producing winners. The Founda on is keen to have other
Nigeria Unlimited. Also, in 2017, the professionals key into its message of
Founda on partnered with Seven Energy to emancipa on and redemp on for the
establish a Safety and Environmental educa onal system as well as our teeming
Awareness Program in designated secondary youth popula on. Akwa Ibom State needs
schools across the State. Girls High School Ikot support from all and sundry in order to li our
Ibiok, Eket LGA, Community Secondary educa onal system to greater heights. Our
Commercial School, Odoro Atan, Ikot Abasi Governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in
LGA, Mary Hanney Secondary School Oron LGA, 2015, graced the Founda on's event as the
Community Secondary School Udung Uko, Guest Speaker. The 1st Educa on summit held in
Udung Uko LGA and Ubodung Community 2019 further set a new trajectory for educa on
Secondary School Oruko, Urue-Offong Oruko in Akwa Ibom State. Set to revolu onize the
LGA are some of the schools that benefi ed educa on sector, our Governor is repurposing
from this exercise. the educa on curriculum of the State to be
globally relevant and compe ve in the 21st
In 2020, the Founda on partnered with the century. Indeed, in a technology driven world
Royal Arts Academy to flag off the first film where mediocrity has no place, visionary
monotechnic in Akwa Ibom. Thirty-three leaders must galvanize their people to be
pioneer students commenced training in a relevant in a knowledge-driven world and our
number of courses in the performing arts Governor is char ng this path. Government's
(Movie) industry for 3 months. These courses support for the Founda on's program is not
include Ac ng, Direc ng, Edi ng, Screen taken for granted and is much appreciated.
Wri ng, Movie Produc on and

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12th Anniversary

Teachers’ Award

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11

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PHOTO CUTLINES

1 A cross section of the high table
2 A cross section of the mentoring session
3 Mr. Assiak Essiet and the students of his adopted school Amayam Com. Sec. Sch. Mbiaso
4 Students of Gorretti Girls Sec. Com. Sch. Ikot Ekpene adopted by Abimbola Desola
5 Mr. Esumo Effiong and the students of his adopted school Com. Sec. Sch. Okuko
6 Mrs Idong Etiebiet 3rd left with the Hon. Com. for Education and the students of her adopted school
7 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Edelduok and the students of their adopted school Oniong West Com. Sec. Sch. Ikot Edor
8 The students of Com. Sec. Com. Sch. Ikot Akpan Ishiet, a school adopted by Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien
9 Mrs. Lebari Ukpong and the students of their adopted school
10 From L-R; Founder ITF Mr. Inoyo with the mentor and students of Methodist Senior Science College Oron
11 Mr. Inoyo interacting with the students of St. Theresa's Sec. Sch, Edem Ekpat. Shalom Ankoh's adopted school
12 Mr. Iniodu Akpan presenting the award on behalf of the sponsor Mr. Ken Etim to 1st prize winner

History Ofonime Udo of Com. Sec. Sch. Mbak Etoi
13 Mr. Ime Udoetuk and the students of his adopted school, CSC Ikot Ubo
14 Grand Mentor winner Biology Francis Ube of Sec. Sch. Etoi, Uyo
15 First Prize winner Biology Ekemini Isok of Sec. Sch. Etoi, Uyo
16 First Prize winner English Language being presented with his award by the sponsor of the subject

Mr. Boni Akpan Migrant Sec. Sch. Emeruke
17 First Prize English Language Dick Collins Efre of Migrant Sec. Sch. Emeruke receiving his award
18 Winners in Chemistry from left to right Uduak Nicholas 2nd place, Emmanuel Godwin 1st place,

Victor Antai 3rd place

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Testimonial

Mr. David
Ufot Jacob

Physics teacher at Community Secondary
Commercial School, Ikot Okubo Offot

For Mr. David Ufot Jacob, a Physics teacher School, Lagos. On the sponsorship of the
at Community Secondary Commercial founda on, Mr. Ufot had this to say: "before
School, Ikot Okubo Offot, the Inoyo Toro now I had the impression that some money-
Founda on award and training for public bags that do not really know what to do with
secondary school teachers is a life changing money were behind the Founda on, because of
experience. the quality and huge amount of money
expended on us, but seeing the zeal of the
Mr. Ufot who won the prize twice in 2015 and Founda on, I asked myself, why do they put so
2017 said that the Founda on has taught him much money into educa on, these people must
how to impact posi vely on the lives of have an objec ve. That is where my mindset
students, he noted that before he became the actually changed from grabbing the money to
Founda on's awardee, he had lost interest in impac ng on the lives I teach."
the educa on system because things where not
working well and there was li le or nothing he Through the Founda on's training, Mr. Ufot
could do to help than collect salary every established a Mathema cs Club where he uses
month. different games to train and develop student's
mental ability to solve problems resul ng to the
However, a er his encounter with the students’ good performance in their external
founda on were he was mentored on new ideas examina ons.
and teaching skills using prac cal aspect for
students to understand, he became an Ufot encouraged the Toro Founda on to
harbinger of change. con nue with the good works and not be
deterred by what people say, that his
He said the prize had great economic impact on apprecia on of the Founda on is being
his family, career and life as he used the money displayed in the type of training and impact he
to buy a piece of land as the award was a turning has on the students who have performed very
point in his teaching experience because of the well so far.
training they got at the American Interna onal

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

Regina
Udo John, PhD

Mathema cs teacher at the State College,
Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Regina Udo, PhD was awarded She said that before now, Nigerians
first prize in Mathema cs in and her pupils saw Mathema cs as
2014 and also won the Inoyo abstract but through the Inoyo Toro
Toro Founda on Grand Mentor prize Founda on, she now makes
in 2016. mathema cs easier by bringing real
life situa on for pupils to understand
According to her the Founda on has using Annang and Ibibio Languages to
given her the requisite training and get geometric objects interpreted to
finance that has changed her life for local names that allows students to
good. relate and understand mathema cs
easily.
She confessed that she didn't know
anybody in the Founda on before she Narra ng the import of the awards to
was invited for the selec on process her life and Akwa Ibom educa onal
which was very transparent, and that sector, Dr. Regina noted that the award
she was very delighted to have won mo vated her to use the cash to
the award as the award has catapulted pursue a PhD programme in
her teaching career to the next level Mathema cs; co-author about three
placing her at the top of her career. na onal Mathema cs textbook in
Nigeria among many other benefits.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

U be
Billy Orok

Chemistry teacher at Nsit Peoples Grammmar
School, Afaha Offiong, Akwa Ibom State

Another awardee whose life has not professional teacher today. And that he
been the same since his encounter also used the money to support indigent
with the Inoyo Toro Founda on is students to buy notes and wri ng
Teacher U be Billy Orok, who teaches materials which has encouraged and made
Chemistry at Nsit Peoples Grammar them more commi ed to study and
School, Afaha Offiong, Akwa Ibom State. learning. He noted strongly that the Inoyo
Toro Founda on has succeeded in crea ng
He said that he had always wished to be hope for the educa on sector in the state.
involved in the Founda on's work and
when he joined the study group of the Expressing his delight and apprecia on to
Founda on, it was easy for him to win the the Inoyo Toro Founda on, Teacher U be
prize money. No ng that the Inoyo Toro said: "I am so grateful to the Inoyo Toro
Founda on has been very impac ul to Founda on. If we can have more people
Akwa Ibom educa on sector, he stated ge ng involved, educa onal sector will
that if there are more involvements of the get be er than what it is today. I really
private sector in educa on like what Inoyo appreciate the Founda on for the kind of
Toro is doing, educa on will be taken to impact they are crea ng especially in this
another level, that since he got the award, part of the country because before now,
there has been tremendous posi ve we used to hear that the reward of the
changes in his life, because he used the teacher is in heaven, but thank God for
money given by the Founda on to today, we can actually say that we are
upgrade himself by registering and ge ng our reward down here because of
undertaking some professional Inoyo Toro Founda on".
programmes that has made him a

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

Noah

Cyril Noah

Biology teacher at Community Secondary
Grammar School, Ikot Akpabio, E nan

Another beneficiary of the Inoyo Mr. Noah who revealed that the award
Toro Founda on award is Mr. has impacted much on Akwa Ibom
Noah Cyril Noah, a Biology educa on sector. He expressed surprise
teacher at the Community Secondary that a teacher could be remembered and
School Grammar School, Ikot Akpabio in given a place of pride in the country, said
E nan Local Government Area of Akwa the money which was "very reasonable"
Ibom state. He is a 2014 awardee and was used to empower himself by buying
beneficiary of the 2016 grand mentor text books to aid his teaching ability; assist
award. some indigent students to get books and
materials that aided their studies; and
Mr. Noah said that he received a text bought some teaching aids for the school.
message invi ng him to come for a
screening test and he ended up winning He commended the Founda on for
the award. Noted that he collected the remembering teachers who have been
cheque in u er disbelief that a long neglected and not only poli cians,
Founda on could appreciate teachers also for the fairness in the selec on
with such amount, un l he cashed the process that exposed them to the world.
money from the bank. Thus he reasoned
that if a teacher can be remembered, then Concluding, he said: "I can really say
there is hope in the teaching profession boldly, Inoyo Toro Founda on thank you
and it encouraged him to put more effort, for remembering people like us,
read more and impact on his students. impac ng my life, and helping me to be
able to impact on the life of others".

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

Favour
Leo Norbert

English teacher at Community Secondary
School, Aka Offot, Uyo

For Mrs. Favour Leo Norbert, an on her fellow teachers / mentees what she
English teacher at Community learnt during the mentorship sessions.
Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo
LGA of Akwa Ibom State, she won the Mrs. Norbert who became emo onal, was
award by the grace of God because she full of praises for the Inoyo Toro
ini ally declined the invita on to a end Founda on because the Founda on
the mentorship programme, and when she exposed her hidden capabili es to the
par cipated, she was never prepared. public, and that the cash prize was very
useful to her family and some indigent
Mrs. Norbert who said that she lacked the students who she paid NECO examina on
appropriate words to express the posi ve fees for and who later passed the
impact of the Inoyo Toro Founda on on examina on and are currently studying
her life and students, said that when she Medicine and Surgery at the University of
won the award, she was challenged to go Uyo.
into further research on new English words
and sounds by training herself properly - To the Inoyo Toro Founda on Mrs. Norbert
which mo vated her to teach her students who is now a Vice Principal has this to say:
be er, who subsequently a ended various "I want to say a big thank you to the Inoyo
compe ons in essay wri ngs and quiz Toro Founda on, because I did not know
contest and won awards for the school. that I can be known, because of that award
I have been interviewed in the Ministry, I
She noted further that the Inoyo Toro went for radio interview with Planet FM
Founda on propelled her to put in her best because of the award and it has really
in the teaching profession and also impact helped me a lot."

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

Imaobong

Ekae e Ekae e
Biology teacher at
Chris an Commercial School, Uyo

Mrs. Imaobong Ekae e Ekae e, equipment, which has really helped the
a Biology teacher at the students to understand the concept of
Chris an Commercial Biology.
Secondary School, Uyo, noted that the
Inoyo Toro Founda on is an organiza on She informed that the results of her
that celebrates excellence and that the students in WAEC, NECO, and Jamb has
selec on exercise was perfect because improved tremendously by 98% because
the best of the bests were selected a er of the good knowledge of prac cal and
the screening. her ability to galvanize other teachers to
form a group to assist expose the students
She averred that for a teacher like her to in prac cal aspects.
be remembered on earth, has very
posi ve impact on her which propelled Mrs. Ekae e thanked the Inoyo Toro
her to ensure that other teachers as well Founda on for the life-changing
as students benefit from the knowledge experience, noted that the Inoyo Toro
gathered. Founda on is God-sent which celebrates
excellence and abhors mediocrity as she
Mrs. Ekae e said that before she won the encouraged the Founda on to con nue
award, her school used to go to other the good work because it has brought out
secondary schools to borrow laboratory the best in Akwa Ibom teachers.
equipment for prac cals but a er the
training from the Founda on, she
improvised using demonstra ons to
engage students without sophis cated

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonial

Patricia
Michael Usenobong

English teacher at Uyo High School, Uyo

Another beneficiary of the The two me award winner noted that
Inoyo Toro Founda on award, the Founda on has impacted
Mrs Patricia Michael posi vely in her life as the money won
Usenobong, an English teacher at Uyo came at the right me and was used to
High School, Uyo said that she felt acquire a landed property as she also
excited when she won the award even used some to assist indigent students
though the process was tedious. who could not afford books in her
school.
She won the first prize award of two
hundred and fi y thousand naira in She thanked the Inoyo Toro
2014 and grand mentor award prize of Founda on for the wonderful gesture
five hundred thousand naira in 2016. in touching the lives of Akwa Ibom
teachers posi vely.
To Mrs. Usenobong, before the
interven on of the Inoyo Toro
Founda on in educa on, teachers
were not recognized and were always
thrown to the background in the
scheme of things but the Founda on
has raised the bar and hope of
teachers who were never recognised
in the society.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Testimonials Mr. Cyprian Patrick Udoh says he is
one of the luckiest beneficiaries of
Mr. Cyprian the Inoyo Toro Founda on having
Patrick Udoh won the award three mes. He invested part of
the money to pursue and complete his Master
Chemistry teacher at Community Secondary (Msc) in Industrial Chemistry and to also erect
Commercial School, Mkpat Enin L.G.A an all-purpose-laboratory in the school where
he teaches. He is so glad that the Founda on
Mr. Anthony has impacted in his life immeasurably by
Enefiok Bassey crea ng that star ng point in his life.
Crea ve and Cultural Art teacher at
Mr. Anthony Enefiok Bassey, a
Community Secondary Commercial School, Uyo Crea ve and Cultural Art teacher
said that the Founda on has made
JOSEPH him a prophet and Apostle of Art who used the
Anna Ubon award money to create a studio in the school
where he teaches. The training by the
Chemistry teacher at Comprehensive Founda on at the American Interna onal
Secondary School, Ikot Uneke, Ibiono Ibom School has built his capacity to teach his
student be er using illustra ons to simplify
Blessed study.
Peter Sunday
Mr. Aniefiok Joseph Okpon who has won the
Physics teacher at Secondary School, Founda on's award for five mes. Referring
Ibioto Ndon, E nan to himself as the “greatest beneficiary” who
has won “a very fat sum of money”, Mr. Okpon said that
he knew nobody in all the period of years before winning
five mes. He stressed that is he due to be called a great
grand mentor because of his exploit with the Founda on.

The senior Mathema cs teacher of E nan Ins tute noted
further that he has produced successful graduates'
especially Medical Doctors, many of theme studied
overseas and that the Founda on has aided his financial
status and has given him impetus to take special interest
in his students.

Mr. Blessed Peter Sunday of Secondary
School, Ibioto Ndon, E nan, one of the
many benefits of the Inoyo Toro
Founda on since incep on 12 years ago is the
training given to teachers. Mr. Sunday said he was
nominated to represent Akwa Ibom State at the
“2019 President's Teacher's and Schools Excellence
Award” and won the “Best School Teacher” award
(Public category). He a ributed the award to the
training and mo va on acquired from the Inoyo
Toro Founda on which inspired him to work harder.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

List of Awardees at the ITF 12th Anniversary

SN NAME ENGLISH POSITION
1. Dick Collins Efre 1st
2. Idaresit Iniunam iniunam SCHOOL
3. Alphonsus Oscar Ebebe 2nd
Migrant Secondary School, Emeruke 3rd
SN NAME Community Comprehensive Secondary
1. Sampson Akpan Usoh School, Four Towns, Uyo
2. Uduak Charles Udoaka St. Augus ne’s Scondary School. Urua
Inyang, Ika
SN NAME
1. Ekemini Emmanuel Isok MATHS POSITION
2. Emem Edo-Obong Ekpoh 2nd
3. Gabriel Michael Nkannta SCHOOL 3rd

Community Secondary Commercial POSITION
School, Iwok, Nsit Atai 1st
Community Secondary Commercial, 2nd
Eka, Uruak, Eshiet, E m Ekpo 3rd

BIOLOGY

SCHOOL
Secondary School, Uyo
Secondary School, Etoi, Uyo
Community Secondary School,
Ikot Esenam

List of Awardees at the ITF 12th Anniversary

SN NAME PHYSICS POSITION
1. Nseobong Marcus Udoh 1st
SCHOOL
2. Richard Okon Akpan 2nd
3. Ephriam Jacob Inyangudo Western Annang Secondary Commercial 3rd
School, Ikot Akpa Nkuk Ukanafun

Uyo High School, Uyo
Comprehensive Secondary School,
Ediene, Abak

SN NAME CHEMISTRY POSITION
1. Emmanuel Godwin Okon 1st
SCHOOL 2nd
2. Uduak Nicholas Okon
3. Victor George An a Methodiest Secondary School, 3rd
Ibiaku Issiet, Uruan

Community Secondary School,
Nkwot, Ini
Community Secondary School, Use Ikot
Amama, Ibiono Ibom

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ECONOMIC

SN NAME SCHOOL POSITION
1. Glory Manday Umanah
2. Ediomi Yellow Sandy Holy Trinity College, Mbiakong, Uruan 1st
3. Samuel E m Asuquo
Community Secondary Commercial School, 2nd
SN NAME Ikot Okubo O , Uiyo 3rd
1. Ofonime E m Udo
2. Victoria Stephen Stephen Community Secondary School,
3. Mar n Mar n Udum Ikot Esenam

HISTORY POSITION
1st
SCHOOL 2nd

Community Secondary School, Mbak Etoi 3rd

Mcntre Secondary Commercial School,
Utu Abak
Okoroima Comprehensive Secondary
School, Okoro Ete Eastern Obolo

List of Grand Mentor Teachers’ Awardees

SN NAME BIOLOGY
1. Francis Bassey Ube SCHOOL
Secondary, Etoi, Uyo

SN NAME CHEMISTRY
1. Gabriel Ma hew Ukpabio SCHOOL
Lutheran Senior School, Ibakachi

SN NAME PHYSICS
1. Ndifreke Thomas Udoh SCHOOL
Community School, Ikot Abia Idem
SN NAME
1. Excel Favour Iniunam BIOLOGY
SCHOOL
Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron

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2019 Award Sponsors and Subject

SUBJECT SPONSORS

MATHEMATICS Mr. Aniekan Ukpanah

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

PHYSICS
CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

HISTORY Mr. Kenneth E m

GRAND MENTOR Bassey Ukpong Founda on
CATEGORY SPONSOR
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PRINCIPAL'S AWARD
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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

2019 CAPACITY

TRAINING

Teacher training 2020

Inoyo Toro Founda on held her annual ITF Screening Commi ee) and Mrs. Lydia
capacity training for award winning Nkan, a re red Vice Principal (also Member
teachers on the 22nd of February 2020. of the ITF Screening commi ee).
The training took place at EMMJM Hotel,
Dominic Etuk Avenue, Uyo. The capacity building training is usually
organised a er the Founda on's yearly
Present at the training was the Akwa Ibom awards event. The capacity training has as its
State Commissioner for Educa on, Prof Nse aim the exposure of teachers to resources
Essien. He charged the teachers to u lize the necessary to horn their teaching and
opportunity offered by the Founda on to mentoring skills. This is expected as the
excel in their chosen career. He also teachers are told to mentor other teachers to
reminded them on the importance of be like them and not rest on their oars. This
teachers and the roles they play towards create a cycle of excellence, the end result of
building a greater Akwa Ibom State. which are be er students.

Facilitators at the training included Dr. Teacher training 2020
Enobong Joshua, who is the Chairman
Screening Commi ee of the Founda on; Mr.
Ekanabasi Ubong, former Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Educa on; Mrs. Imo
Bassey, Programme Manager, Inoyo Toro
Founda on (ITF); Mr. Joe Udoh, State
Secondary Educa on Board (Member of the

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ROYAL ARTS ACADEMY OPENS FIRST FILM MONOTECHNIC
IN AKWA IBOM: INOYO TORO FOUNDATION
SPONSORS 33 PIONEER STUDENTS

A cross section of our students with representatives from the Foundation and the Academy

In what appears a major move to broaden believe that with this school, Akwa Ibom
the fron ers of the crea ve and performing residents and indigenes now have many more
arts industry in the State, Royal Arts opportuni es to move ahead in life”.

Academy, in partnership with Inoyo Toro

Founda on, has flagged-off the first ever film She further in mated us about her journey.
monotechnic in Akwa Ibom State. "My first movie was produced in 1995. Later, I
started Royal Arts Academy in Lagos to train a
The flag-off ceremony held on the premises of new genera on of Nollywood actors,

the newly inaugurated Royal Arts Academy, producers, directors, writers. Today, Royal Arts

Uyo Campus at 3, Utang Lane, Off Brooks Academy has grown into a unique film school,

Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. accredited by the Board of Technical Educa on

One of Nigeria's foremost movie producers, to operate as a Monotechnic.”
script writer and Chief Execu ve Officer of
Royal Arts Academy, Akwa Ibom born Mrs. The celebrated English and Ibibio movie maker
graciously appreciated the contribu ons of all

Emem Isong Misodi noted that the vision stakeholders to the towering success of the

behind the inaugura on of the Uyo Campus Academy and par cularly applauded Inoyo

was to create learning solu ons in the crea ve Toro Founda on and its partners, for offering

and entertainment industry and open up complete sponsorship, to 33 pioneer students
mul ple success opportuni es to Akwa Ibom in Akwa Ibom State. She spoke glowingly of the
indigenes and residents. Founda on's sponsorship, describing it as a
major inspira on to the birthing and berthing

“It's about the people. That's why we are here of Royal Arts Academy in Uyo.

to launch Royal Arts Academy, Uyo. I strongly

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

Dignitaries at the opening ceremony, L-R Barr. Abasumo Bassey, Mrs. Imo Bassey,
Mr. Orman Esin, Mrs. Emem Isong Misodi, Mr. Tony Esu and Mr. Charles Udoh

In his remarks, the Secretary, Board of Trustees In their separate remarks, the Akwa Ibom State
of the Inoyo Toro Founda on, Dr. George Commissioner for Informa on and Strategy,
Akpan, commended the visioner, the lecturers Sir Charles Udo, his counter part of the Culture
and the facilitators of Royal Arts Academy for and Tourism Ministry, Rt. Hon. Orman Esin and
its long history of contribu on towards the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and
fostering crea ve excellence in the Investment, Barr. Prince Akpabio, represented
entertainment industry in Nigeria and by the Director of Investment, Mr. Okon Esu,
par cularly appreciated the Academy's effort applauded the advent of Royal Arts Academy
towards bringing to frui on the first ever film in Akwa Ibom State.
academy in Uyo.
They commended the superb contribu ons of
The BOT Secretary who was represented by Mrs. Emem Isong and other Nollywood
the Programme Manager Inoyo Toro veterans of Akwa Ibom extrac on towards
Founda on, Mrs. Imo Ekong Bassey, stated projec ng the cultural peculiari es of Akwa
that the Founda on's partnership with Royal Ibom State and Nigeria to the world through
Arts Academy is borne out of the need to affect the produc on and distribu on of quality
the lives of Akwa Ibom youngsters in a whole movies. They applauded all contributors to the
new way. berthing of the first ever movie academy in
Akwa Ibom State.
There was palpable excitement amongst
guests, students and par cipants at the event By the same token, the Special Assistant to
when the Founda on's intent to sustain its Governor Udom Emmanuel on
sponsorship beyond the maiden set of Entrepreneurial Development, Meflyn
students, was made public at the occasion. Anwana described the recent Royal Arts
Academy cum Inoyo Toro Founda on ini a ve
in Akwa Ibom State as a meaningful

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contribu on to entrepreneurship and Moon, Benede e WillsObong, Humble Akpan.
highlighted similar ini a ves of the Akwa Ibom Also present at the flag-off event were Barr.
State Government in that direc on. Abasumo Ekong Bassey, Mr. Aniekan Willie and
a host of others.
Asides officials of the Akwa Ibom State
Government, Royal Arts Academy and Inoyo High points of the flag-off ceremony included
Toro Founda on, the flag-off ceremony also cultural performance by the Udo Mariam
played host to a number of dignitaries from the troupe, spoken word performance by Dachief
academia, the Nigerian Theatre Industry and and a short play (a theatrical adapta on from
diverse walks of life. Prof. Uwemedimo Atakpo Prof. Wole Soyinka's 'Trials of Brother Jero') by
of the department of Theatre Arts, University students of Royal Arts Academy.
of Uyo, Dr. Ofonime Inyang of the same
department and Dr. Udeme Nana of the Inoyo Toro Founda on sponsored 33 students
Department of Mass Communica on, Akwa to Royal Arts Academy, Uyo Campus to
Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua were undergo a three-month cer ficate training
among a endees from the academia. programme in various aspects of crea ve and
performing arts. These include Ac ng,
High-profile Nollywood actors, producers, Direc ng, Edi ng, Screen Wri ng, Movie
directors and script writers at the event Produc on and Cinematography.
included Moses Amstrong, Emmanuel Afia,
Bassey Okon, Emem Isong, Mr. Kenny, Robert

Some of the students
sponsored by Inoyo Toro Foundation
trying out their acts

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The mentor will role-model leadership Zoom, WhatsApp etc. The Founda on
behaviours and winning characters to can arrange this interface whenever
these students. requested by any of our mentors.

The annual clinics acts as a formal Our Founda on appreciates the efforts
mee ng place for mentors to their of some of our mentors, who have taken
adopted school/students. It also serves out me to enquire and make impacts
as a mee ng place for likeminded on the affairs of their adopted schools.
professionals to network. The role of Personal visits have been made,
the mentor is not limited to these financial assistance for some of the
annual clinics. schools' programmes as well as
dona on of some items to ease learning
Direct visits to adopted schools are and teaching experience.
highly encouraged. Collabora ng with
the Founda on to make this happen at We are proud of mentors who have
least once in a school session fits into already towed this path; we encourage
the vision of the scheme. others to follow suit.
Understanding the busy nature of our
professionals, technology has come in The following pictures are snapshots of
handy to achieve direct interac on and some of the ac vi es being ini ated by
engagements through the use of Skype, our mentors to help their adopted
schools.

Mr. Aniekan Ukpanah mentoring the students of his
adopted school Obong Chris an Sec Sch E m Ekpo

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Our Mentoring Programme

Mr. Nkekere Udom mentoring to the students of his adopted school

The mentoring Programme was The Founda on organizes mentoring
ins tuted in 2009 in response to sessions with the brightest students
the gaps which existed in the drawn from JSI-SS3 (one student per

educa onal system. The mentorship class) from the school of choice of the

scheme has impacted the youths mentor. The mentoring scheme is aimed

significantly, hence the wide acclaim of at posi vely impac ng students. A

this ini a ve. mentor will have a one on one, two-

hour session to mentor the students at

This ini a ve owes its success to our the annual event.

dedicated professionals who have

spared no efforts to provide support to Although the annual event may serve as

the students and teachers of their the formal introduc on of the mentor

adopted schools. to the mentees, it is the beginning of a

lifelong mentorship rela onship.

The Mentoring Clinic is an annual event Through this structured mentorship

in the Founda on's calendar and is held program, the youths have a broad view

every November. It provides a pla orm of life and the many possibili es that

for highly successful professionals to abound.

adopt schools of their choice and

mentor students of the school. They are provided the confidence to

explore these opportuni es for self-

improvement and wise career choices.

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Books donated and book reading organised by Book reading session organised by a mentor,

a mentor, Barr. Ini Ememobong for his adopted school Barr. Ini Ememobong with students of his adopted school

10

Exercise books donated to the students of Mr. Imoabasi visited his school and had a
MSSC Oron by their mentor, Ms. Modupe Bankole session with his students

Computers donated by Mr. Nsikak Umoren Mrs. Dominic Ukpong went dona ng to her adopted school,
to his adopted school St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku and she went bearing gi s

Financial Literacy Club established by A day in the life of a pilot; organised by
Mr. Clement Isong jnr for his adopted school Modupe Bankole for students of her adopted school

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EDUCATION IN AKWA IBOM STATE:

COVID-19 IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

MR. USEN UDOH

Director Dangote Academy

The 20th of June 2020 marked a 90
day milestone, within which period
children in Nigeria have been out of
school due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
While some schools have a empted to
find alterna ve ways of keeping students
engaged during this period, many schools
have simply not been able to respond in
any meaningful way.

The COVID-19 pandemic is first and Loss of Focus for Teachers – The sudden,
foremost a health crisis and should be unplanned closure of schools could mean
treated as such. However, this crisis has loss of jobs for teachers in both private and
highlighted the weaknesses in the public schools. The teachers are unsure of
infrastructure and tools suppor ng our their obliga ons and how to maintain
educa onal system in the state and in the connec ons with students to support any
country at large. The ripple effect on other form of learning.
sectors of our social fabric is much.
Gaps in Childcare – With children out of
Although online schooling is being piloted school, working parents o en leave
in several private schools all over the children alone when schools close and this
country, the vast majority of families in can lead to risky behaviours, including
Akwa Ibom State can be classified as increased influence of peer pressure and
vulnerable to the impact of a prolonged substance abuse.
closure of schools na on-wide. Some of
the unintended impacts include:

Truncated Learning – Conven onal
schooling is the primary mode of
educa on in the state. There exists a very
limited number of voca onal,
appren ceship, internship
opportuni es/schemes. Hence, when
schools close, the children and our youth
are deprived opportuni es for growth and
development.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

High Economic Costs- Where parents It has highlighted the fact that we need to
decide to miss work to take care of their challenge deep-rooted no ons of when,
children, they would likely either lose where, and how we deliver educa on, the
wages or such situa on could have much role of schools and paren ng in educa on,
nega ve impact on produc vity. the importance of lifelong learning, and
the dis nc on we draw between
Rise in Dropout Rates – It already was a tradi onal and non-tradi onal learners.
challenge keeping our youths in school.
The prolonged closure and its associated Uninten onally, the COVID-19 pandemic
economic shocks places much pressure on may end-up driving us to fashion out a long
children to work and generate income for overdue and welcome rebirth of our
financially distressed families. educa on systems. I see opportuni es
that can be used to collabora vely resolve
...COVID-19 pandemic long standing issues which will work for
may end-up driving us Akwa Ibom State as it would for any other
to fashion out a long place.
The Inoyo Toro Founda on has, for over a
overdue and decade, been in the fore front of
welcome rebirth of championing the need for educa on
our education systems. reform in Akwa Ibom State. With the
Udom Emmanuel Administra on se ng
Increased Exposure to Bad Influences - up the 'Educa on-Think-Tank' Commi ee,
Protracted closure of schools would as part of a holis c and strategic approach
almost certainly result in a spike in early to the numerous problems in this sector,
marriages and more youths would explore the state has been presented a unique
affilia ons with gangs. Sexual exploita on opportunity to tackle this problem and
of girls and young women would rise, deliver crea ve, prac cal solu ons.
teenage pregnancies would become more
common, and child labour grows. Clearly, any viable solu on would need to
be mul -dimensional and all inclusive.
However, as painful and stressful as this is Some of the areas of focus would include:
for everyone, the pandemic has given all
stakeholders (educators, learners, policy- (a) A solu on that caters to children's
makers and society at large) in developed basic needs like food, health, and
and developing countries a be er emo onal well-being. School health
understanding of our current educa on would be a crucial pillar we must
systems' vulnerabili es and shortcomings. address;
It has shown why educa on and educa ng
is not about red roofs or toilets in schools. (b) Provided solu ons for the most
marginalized and at-risk children.
The interest of those at-risk children
must be at the core of the strategy or
else we run the risk of worsening the
economic gap/divide between the
few rich families and the vast
majority in the state with the
a endant consequences for peace

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

...viable solution must be a series of interventions
focused on ensuring that children from low-income

families get access to quality education...

and stability; comes to the providing
concessions on the costs of data
(c) Aggressively drive community and designing solu ons specifically
engagement through for the educa on sector. This
communica on and collabora on. would ensure that schools that
Parental engagement, commit to design and deploy tech
empowerment, and values-based infrastructure for online learning
educa on are things children need do not have to grapple with the
to see, touch, and grow with. And challenge of data. These network
home is the first place where this providers are best posi oned to
happens; collaborate with Educa on-Tech
companies to sponsor relevant
(d) There is need to focus on learning! hardware for schools and to
Educators need to get crea ve and support teachers with digital
innova ve in finding unique ways to literacy trainings and resources.
focus on the needs of the students. I
am talking about student-centered (4) H a v i n g t h e s e v a r i o u s l o c a l
learning. stakeholders ac ve on the
programme, would a ract other
Such viable solu ons must widen the net na onal and Interna onal
and include all stakeholders in the Donors/Funders.
Educa on Project:
Inoyo Toro Founda on has always
(1) Expand community partnerships to postulated that the priori es should
include exis ng low-cost private always be public schools. A viable solu on
schools and build trust with them as must be a series of interven ons focused
viable mass adult literacy trainings on ensuring that children from low-income
centers. families get access to quality educa on
and that they are able to remain in school.
(2) All Financial Ins tu ons that
operate in Akwa Ibom State should Suppor ng these schools has never been
be encouraged to help develop, of higher priority. Educa on in Akwa
maintain and increase if possible, Ibom State is in a dire state. If we do
access to finance/credit nothing, we are at risk of millions of our
opportuni es for these schools. children being le even further behind
and unable to escape the consequen al
(3) All Network Providers in the State abject poverty.
are crucial stakeholders when it

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

MRS. CHIDINMA ABIAKALAM ENGR. PAUL NKUNE MRS. EVELYN EKARIKA DR. ABIMBOLA OGUNDERE

Childhood Consultant & Founder Code Express Head of Schools Blooms in Education Leadership Coach,
Mental Health Trainer ‘n Daises School Calabar CEO LAIT Foundation
THE POST COVID CHILD EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY HEALTH SAFETY &
THE RESILIENT TEACHER
EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOLS

Inoyo Toro Founda on held a training Live Pla orm. 80% of the teachers who
session for teachers of the public tuned in were from the public secondary
secondary schools on the 27th and schools.
28th of August 2020. The training is in line
with her vision “to upli the standard of The theme for the training was “The
educa on in Akwa Ibom State, using Resilient Teacher”. This topic was carefully
teachers as the focal point”. Schools selected to appeal to the current hardship
closure, which was as a result of the which the educa on sector has had to
pandemic, was an addi onal inspira on encounter as a result of the COVID-19
for the well received training. Par cipa on Pandemic. A return to classroom was of
in the training session was made a part key concern to the Founda on, especially
condi on for par cipa on in subsequent having envisaged that many teachers
awards processes being organized by the would have lost steam as a result of the
Founda on. long period of the closure of schools.
Lectures from the 2 day training were put
A total of 144 teachers registered for the in place to remind teachers of their
training. The live stream had 66 teachers responsibili es and how to adapt in the
tuned in across the Zoom and Facebook face of unforeseen occurrences.

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IKIKE SEPTEMBER, 2020 A newsletter of the Inoyo Toro Foundation www.inoyotorofoundation.org

A brief welcome and introduc on by Mrs. Health Safety and Educa on in our
Imo Bassey, Program Manager of the Schools: This was the last topic of the 2-day
Founda on, set the tone for the novel training. It ended on a high note as
training. A total of 4 lecturers featured at teachers were told that safety was
the training. Each training day had two everyone's responsibility not
lecturers speaking on specific areas related governments' alone, hence the need to
to the theme of the training. brace up and think through prac cal
methods that may be adopted to keep the
The topics discussed were as follows: students safe when school resumes.
Prac cal steps on disinfec ng surfaces,
Educa on Technology: This was delivered keeping hands clean and other hygiene
by Engr. Paul Nkune, founder of Code methods were shared with the teachers.
Express, Abuja. This topic was to bu ress This training was delivered by Mrs. Evelyn
the fact that technology had come to stay Ekarika, a Medical Laboratory Scien st and
and the teachers in the public schools will Proprietor of Blooms 'n Daisies School,
need to accept that. Prac cal ways of Calabar.
integra ng technology into their teaching
were shown to them. The training was a huge success as the
teachers were excited to be part of it. 52%
The Resilient Teacher: This was another of teachers a ested to the fact that it was
topic taken by Dr. Abimbola Ogundere, their very first zoom training whilst 48% of
CEO LAIT Founda on and Author of the them had a previous experience on the use
book “The Right Teacher”. She educated of zoom. A lot of the teachers who were
the teachers on what it means to be technophobic were forced to try out their
resilient. She pointed out basic steps on hands on the virtual space and they were
achieving resilience, what was expected of thankful they found their way around it.
them as teachers and how to go about The teachers also expressed gra tude for
them. She also emphasized the the wealth of informa on they were
importance of self-care. exposed to and vowed to u lize it
effec vely.
The Post COVID Child: This topic threw
more light on the types of students that The webinar training of the Founda on
will be returning back to school. It further has come to stay and this will be done from
stressed that the pandemic had hit people
differently and thus teachers had to be me to me in order to constantly equip
more sensi ve to the students upon their and create a pool of effec ve teachers who
return to school. She pointed out the red will posi vely impact their students.
flags teachers had to look out for in
children and the need to understand how
to go around these ones, in order to
effec vely teach them. Mrs. Chidinma
Abiakalam, a childhood consultant and
mental health trainer based in Lagos took
the teachers on that training.

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Contribute to
BUILDING A SOLID FUTURE
FOR AKWA IBOM STATE

Adopt a school today!
You are who you are today because of education;
because other people provided guiding rails as mentors for you to ride on.
Why don’t you give back? Why don’t you provide those guiding rails for the
young ones? May be you have always wanted to, but did not know how to!

Here is an opportunity!
Join our mentoring scheme today by adopting a child or school of your choice.

We will work with you to give them a better tomorrow.

Inoyo Toro Foundation
...eradicating poverty through education

Lagos: 3 Ado Avenue, Apapa Uyo: Ultrafit Building, Ewet Housing Estate
Website: www.inoyotorofoundation.org Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +234 (0) 805 6716 737, +234 (0) 1 8942 731