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By Saviour Ekpe, Ph.D
It is no more news that West Itam Secondary School, Ekit Itam emerged winners and smiled home with a gigantic trophy, medals, iPad, educational materials and a cash reward of N1,000,000 (one million naira) for clinching the first position of the Arise Quiz (code named, Brainwave) competition for secondary schools (both public and private) in Itu local government area, an event, which took place between 25th, 26th & 28th November, 2025 at the Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Atai Ibiaku Itam, Uyo. Proudly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem as part of his contributions to the educational roadmap of Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda. Aside the participating students, star studded planners led by the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Akparawa James Edet and his team of great essence are the principal of the school, Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem; Mrs. Mfreke Dennis Ekpatt, HOD, Languages; Elder Godwin Okon, Chemistry Teacher; and Mr. Inemesit Etuk. In this edition, I will focus on the Principal General, Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem.
The remarkable victory of West Itam Secondary School at the recent Itu Brainwave Arise Quiz Competition has drawn wide admiration and at the heart of this achievement stands one man—Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem, the school’s dedicated Principal General. Widely regarded as a visionary educationist, Elder Isonguyo Ekanem’s leadership, commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in student potential proved instrumental to the school’s triumph.
Under his stewardship, West Itam Secondary School has steadily transformed into a centre of academic, discipline and intellectual confidence. Elder Isonguyo Ekanem has consistently emphasized rigorous preparation, teamwork and critical thinking among both students and teachers. Long before the competition season began, he initiated structured debate and quiz training sessions, encouraged subject mastery and fostered healthy academic rivalry within the school.
According to teachers who worked closely on the project, the principal was personally involved in monitoring students’ progress. He provided learning resources, organized mock quiz sessions and ensured that each participant developed confidence not only in their knowledge but also in their public speaking skills. His hands-on approach boosted the morale of both students and staff, setting the tone for success.
The result was evident at the Itu Brainwave Arise Quiz Competition, where the students of West Itam Secondary School displayed exceptional composure, depth of knowledge and teamwork. Their outstanding performance led them to the top position among competing schools, earning not only accolades for the institution and placing it firmly on the academic map of the region. But a whooping one-million-naira cash price and other educational items.
Speaking after the victory at the school assembly grounds while presenting the trophy and students that made things happened to the entire students and staff, Elder Ekanem expressed gratitude to the teachers for their tireless mentoring and to the students for their dedication. He reaffirmed his belief that academic excellence depends on consistent training, discipline and the right encouragement from school leadership.
The success at the Brainwave Arise Quiz Competition is more than just a trophy for West Itam Secondary School—it is a testament to effective leadership and visionary school management. In Elder Isonguyo Ekanem, the school has a principal whose passion for education continues to inspire excellence, shape young minds and build a legacy of achievement that will influence generations to come.
It is on record that since Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem assumed duty as Principal of West Itam Secondary School, the entire architecture of the school changed for the better, ranging from academic excellence, physical structure, orderliness in the institution among others. Notably, the school was a den for cultic activities including during school hours where violence erupted with little and no provocation, students causing mayhem and brutalizing other students came to an end at the emergence of Elder Isonguyo Ekanem. In the same vein, the school authority hitherto could not conduct any extra curricula activities but Elder Ekanem restore all activities, including hosting of inter-House sport competitions; send forth to staff and graduating students on a yearly basis.
While interacting with Century Newsfront, the Principal called on the education-friendly Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D to make a demarcating fence between the school and the sport arena to enable students concentrate in their studies as the arena pose distraction to students and staff during school hours. Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem is from the marginalised Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
