In recognition of his immense contribution to human capacity building in the education sector, particularly in Akwa Ibom State and his numerous leadership building initiatives over the years through his foundation, the INOYO TORO FOUNDATION, ITF, the Clement Isong Foundation has conferred an award of excellence on the Advisor of ITF, Mr. Udom Inoyo.

The award was conferred on the recipient, Tuesday at the e-Library, Uyo during a one- day education stakeholders’ summit hosted by the Clement Isong Foundation as part of activities to commemorate the International Student Day 2021.

Conferring the award on the recipient, the Clement Isong Foundation noted with delight Mr. Inoyo’s selfless contributions and passion in the strengthening of the education sector which has been impactful.

Receiving the award, Mr. Inoyo who retired recently as Vice Chairman of the oil giant, Exxon Mobil thanked the Clement Isong Foundation for the honour, and pledged to sustain his philanthropy. He said ITF has been partnering Akwa Ibom State government in the enhancement of Public school system and health care delivery.

Represented by a member of INOYO TORO FOUNDATION and a university lecturer, Dr. Enobong Joshua, the award recipient who was Chairman on the occasion, made a case for concerted efforts by stakeholders in repositioning the education system, saying time to act is now.

“Educational development is a task not just for the government, but all of us. What should we do to get anything meaningful from our teachers? We must appreciate them for their services”.

He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his foresight in convening the 2019 education summit and also for implementing some of the recommendations of the summit notably among them which is teacher recruitment, training, and intervention in schools infrastructure among others.

First son of the late Dr. Clement Isong and a trustee of the Clement Isong Foundation, CIF, Barr. Clement Isong( jnr) congratulated the award recipient and others on their recongiton, assuring that the foundation will continue to sustain the legacies of his father.

Giving an overview on-behalf of the board of trustees of the foundation, the BOT Chairman, Prof. Akpan Ekpo emphasized on the need to pay attention to the standard of education and manpower development.

The former Uniuyo Vice-Chancellor submitted that a nation can only achieve meaningful progress if it pays adequate attention to the education sector.

“For any nation to move forward, we must pay due attention to the quality of education. Education is vital. Even if you have skills it’s very crucial. No country makes progress faster than it’s Manpower development. Even developing countries are beefing up their quality of education. We in the third world countries should beef up our educational system. We must pay attention to our standard of education. Without paying attention to the standard of education as a State, we won’t make it. We have to build capacity and that’s why we are here today”.

The summit which had as its theme; ‘Rethinking education for state development. People, Planet, prosperity and peace’ featured Keynote address and panel discussion by resource persons, including

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr. Ini Ememobong who chaired the panel session reflected on the life and times of the former CBN Governor, late Clement Isong, remarked that he exemplified honesty while serving the nation as Governor of Central Bank Nigeria, CBN. The information boss commended Clement Isong’s ingenuity which was seen in his ability to preserve Nigeria’s currency even at a period the country was at war.

The summit which has as its theme: ‘Rethinking Education for State Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace, featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, presentation of awards and Prizes, essay competitions among others.

In attendance at the summit include, Vice Chairman of the BOT of the Clement Isong Foundation and widow of the late Clement Isong, Deaconess Nne Clement Isong, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet who was represented at the event, members of the academic community among others.