Communal clash, negligence cripple famous Saint Theresa's Girls Secondary School Edem Ekpat
By Ofonime Honesty
As at early May 2022, academic activities were in full swing at one of the oldest girls secondary school in Akwa Ibom State, Saint Theresa's Girls Secondary School, Edem Ekpat, Etinan Local Government Area.
However, same week and same month, the school was abruptly grounded due to an agelong boundary related communal clash involving Edem Ekpat, Ekpene Obom and Ndon Eyo 1 communities.
As violence ensued, two lives were reported lost, about 10 persons maimed, properties destroyed, Leprosy Hospital at Ekpene Obom looted and later shut down, primary schools and churches shut down, homes attacked and deserted.
Saint Theresa's Secondary School Edem Ekpat held firm for some days before capitulating as masked assailants stormed the school on May 8th, forcing students and members of staff to scamper for safety.
A couple of days later, the school management made arrangement with a friendly neighbouring community, Ikot Udobia, to temporarily occupy two classroom blocks at Sixtowns Primary School.
When this reporter visited Sixtowns Primary School recently, he was informed that the Saint Theresa's students and teachers have returned to their parent institution at Edem Ekpat following the resumption of third term in September.
Visiting Edem Ekpat which shares a common boundary with Ikot Udobia community is usually not a contentious issue as there is a well tarred road linking both communities. But given the precarious security situation, the locals suggested that they accompany the media crew and an International Literacy Ambassador, Enwongoabasi Francis, to the community.
Edem Ekpat was virtually deserted. The crew's arrival at Saint Theresa's caused apprehension as staff and students paused their lessons to observe the team.
A teacher (name withheld) came out to grill the team before obtaining approval to show the team round the facilities in the school.
The school is currently enveloped by swathes of bushes. Classroom blocks, administrative blocks, laboratory, library, toilet facilities, hostels and every other facility in the school are in poor state.
The school football pitch has since become a thick bush as weeds literally compete with the goal posts for height.
Teachers who spoke with the delegation on grounds of anonymity lamented the current situation of the school which was established by the Catholic Church but handed over to the state government about 42 years ago.
They said series of notifications sent to the State Ministry of Education have fallen on deaf ears.
The teachers further complained that they have not sighted a purported letter from the Ministry of Education ordering the reopening of the school as claimed by the Edem Ekpat village council.
"We have not been shown the letter purportedly sent to the village council directing that we reopen this school. We were only told verbally by the village authorities who quoted a certain governor's aide. Should the crisis reoccur, I don't think this village can defend us the teachers and the students," a teacher told our reporter.
International Literacy Ambassador Enwongoabasi Francis expressed dismay over the condition of the facilities, especially the library, and promised to use his platform to draw appropriate attention to the school's plight.
Repeated visits to the Edem Ekpat village head yielded no result as his palace was under locks and keys.
A hitherto prestigious school that used to attract students from across Nigeria, Saint Theresa's Secondary School is now a stark opposite of its former self. The population of the school now stands at less than 300 given mass withdrawal of students by parents due to poor facilities and insecurity.
Commissioner for Education, Hon. Idongesit Etiebiet, when contacted, declined commenting on the vague reopening order as well as poor facilities in the school.
Meanwhile, the alumni association led by the President Mrs Christiana Egwunye had appealed for refurbishment of the school.
"We wish to appeal to our amiable and gender friendly governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to assist St. Theresa’s Girls Secondary School and give it a facelift so that our girls can have a conducive learning environment. Our girl children deserve to have not just a safe haven to nurture their talents but also their social skills as espoused in institutions such as St. Theresa’s Secondary School which is specifically designed for the character formation of the girl child."
They added that "this plea has become necessary in view of the School‘s strategic reckoning as the only all-girls secondary school in Etinan Local Government Area."
She said that the association undertook repair of some parts of a hostel to make it a bit habitable for the few boarders who were taking their examinations.
The school, first established as a boarding Convent Primary School by Catholic missionaries, was later transformed into its present status as secondary school in 1963. It was however handed over to the state government about four decades ago.
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