By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A newly built block of classrooms, library and toilet facilities at the Special Education Centre for Exceptional Children in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State have been commissioned by one of the leading brewers in the country, Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The facilities were constructed by the firm in honour of winner of the 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year award, Mr Imoh Eno-Essien.
The construction of the facilities in the school where Mr Essien teaches was part of the prize for emerging as the 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year.
Mr Essien, who beat nine other finalists to the coveted prize last year, also got N1 million cash prize, an overseas training plus another N1 million to be paid to him annually for five years.
Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Johan Doyer, who was represented on the occasion by Mr Kufre Ekanem, the company’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, explained that the idea of the school-based project was to ensure that when a teacher wins, the community where he/she teaches also wins.
Mr Doyer noted that the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative was hinged on a realization that teachers hardly get the recognition they deserve in spite of the pivotal role they play in determining the quality of our education and the future of our country.
“We set out with an aspiration to recognize, celebrate and embolden teachers. So far, the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative has produced 42 State Champions and two overall winners selected by an independent panel of judges,” he said.
While thanking the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for accepting to commission the facility for use by the school, he congratulated Akwa Ibom State on its ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations.
“It is a unique time to have His Excellency commission this project which has further drawn attention to our collective responsibility of nurturing our children with special needs in a conducive learning environment,” he said.
Mr Doyer also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for the support and partnership with the company since the commencement of the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative.
Governor Emmanuel, who was represented on the occasion by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Paul Udofia, congratulated the winner, Mr Imoh Essien, for making the state proud and lauded Nigerian Breweries for the worthy initiative aimed at celebrating exceptional teachers in Nigeria.
In her remarks, principal of the school, Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Benjamin, expressed great appreciation to Nigerian Breweries for what she described as an unparalleled support for the cause of education in the country.
“This singular gesture is a significant milestone in the entire reward system adopted by Maltina Teacher of the Year organisers by bringing the school that produced the champion into their scheme of activities,” she said.
An excited Essien equally praised Nigerian Breweries for the gesture, adding that it takes commitment on the part of the company to appreciate the great sacrifice and contribution of teachers to the development of the nation.
He enjoined his fellow teachers all over the country to rededicate themselves to the profession and deepen their passion for their calling.
The Maltina Teacher of the Year is an initiative of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
The fund was established in 1994 by Nigerian Breweries Plc with a take-off capital of N100 million, to assist the company play a more active role in the development of education in Nigeria.