The Opening Ceremony and First Round Contest of the Oruk Anam Senior Schools Challenge, Season 5, took place on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Madonna Community Secondary Commercial School, Obo Ntanya. The event recorded a huge success, with 14 out of 16 public schools in Oruk Anam LGA participating in the competition.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by the host principal, Mrs. Ofonime Inyang. This was followed by opening remarks by the initiator and Senior Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Special Duties, Barr. Morgan Ekanem, who was represented by Mr. Emma Akpabio, Personal Assistant on New Media to the Governor. In line with the ARISE agenda of Pastor Umo Eno, Ph. D., Barr. Ekanem reiterated his commitment to implementing education advancement initiatives in Oruk Anam LGA, with the Schools Challenge and Oruk Anam Teachers Awards for Excellence which was flagged off in 2024. He called for continued support and participation in the initiatives.
The Lead Facilitator, MORGAN EKANEM EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT SUPPORT (MEEdAS), Mr. Wilson Peter, then provided an overview of the competition, outlining the rules and format of the contest.
The first round competition, which consisted of the Preliminary and Quarter Final Stages, was keenly contested by the participating schools. The competition was marked by tie-breaking interludes, which added to the excitement and suspense.
After a thrilling competition, the following four schools emerged as finalists:
1. Eastern Midim Secondary School, Ikot Owobo.
2. Community High School, Ekparakwa.
3. Southern Annang Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Okoro.
4. Community Secondary School, Inen Ekeffe.
The finalists agreed that the Finale would be held at Urban High School, Ikot Akpan Essien on a date to be decided by the organisers.
The Opening Ceremony and First Round Contest of the Oruk Anam Senior Schools Challenge, Season 5, was a huge success. The competition was marked by excitement, suspense, and a display of academic excellence by the participating schools. We look forward to the Finale and the emergence of the overall winner.