The deplorable condition of classroom blocks and other buildings at the Western Annang Secondary Commercial School, WASCO, Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State, is becoming an issue of great concern for the alumni association of the premier state government owned secondary school.
Our correspondent who visited the school reports that virtually all the academic and other infrastructure there are in a very bad shape, while the only storey building which was constructed around 1972, is almost becoming inhabitable.
A statement jointly signed by the interim president of the WASCO Alumni, Mr Victor Ekanem and the chairman of the publicity committee of the 50th anniversary committee of the school, Mr Ofonime Umanah, decried the abandonment of the school by the state government and called on the authorities to urgently intervene to create a better learning environment for the students in line with the Arise Agenda of the Pastor Umo Eno administration.
The statement said it was the desire to restore hope to the school and address the decaying infrastructure that the alumni decided to come together for the anniversary, where the old boys and girls would have the opportunity to visit the school, interact with the current students during a debate session and a novelty football match.
The alumni leadership urged all those who have ever passed through WASCO to think of how to support the school towards giving it a new face, while also pleading with the state government to consider rebuilding the school.
Other activities lined up for the anniversary include a public lecture which will be delivered by Prof Iniodu Ukpong of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, on the topic, WASCO: the abandoned hen and her golden eggs, as well as a dinner/fund raising ceremony, all of which will hold on December 16.
