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By Saviour Ekpe, Ph.D
In a time when effective leadership is best measured by visible results, Elder Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem, Principal-General of West Itam Secondary School, Ekit Itam II, Itu Local Government Area, has continued to distinguish himself as one of Akwa Ibom State’s most impactful, most accomplished and reform-driven education administrators, whose leadership style, career stands as a record of courage, discipline, innovation and uncommon commitment to the transformation of public secondary education and visible results. A proud son of Ini Local Government Area, his growing reputation as a reform-minded principal has been shaped by years of dedicated service to public secondary schools across the state, leaving behind measurable improvements wherever he has served.
Elder Isonguyo Ekanem is an alumnus of the University of Calabar, where he obtained a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agricultural Economics/Extension and the University of Uyo, from which he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics. Armed with both subject mastery and professional training in education, he has brought academic competence and administrative discipline into the school management system.
His principalship journey spans Community Secondary School, Ukwok in Ini L.G.A.; Odoro Ikono Secondary School, Mbiabong Ikot Udofia also in Ini L.G.A.; and currently, West Itam Secondary School, Ekit Itam II in Itu L.G.A. In each of these institutions, he delivered reforms that transformed struggling schools into organized, safe and performance-driven learning environments.
At Community Secondary School, Ukwok, Elder Ekanem rebranded the institution by changing the old all-white school uniform to a distinctive yellow-check shirt and maroon trousers/skirt, restoring student pride and a sense of identity. Through effective advocacy and partnership building, his leadership attracted the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, leading to the construction of an administrative block with six classrooms. He facilitated the installation of solar security lights within the school to enhance safety, ensured the provision of borehole water and reversed a decade-long absence of teaching support by securing the posting of 10 NYSC corps members to the school.
At Odoro Ikono Secondary School, Mbiabong Ikot Udofia, his focus shifted to technology, infrastructure and visibility. He built an ICT complex that enabled the Ministry of Education to install 50 laptop computers for digital learning, constructed a modern gatehouse with a new signpost and supervised the renovation of three classroom blocks, dramatically improving teaching and learning conditions.
His impact reached its peak at West Itam Secondary School, Ekit Itam II, where he led one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent years. On assumption of office, he confronted and eliminated cultism, restoring peace and safety to the school environment. He removed itinerant trading and unauthorized selling within the school, introduced firm disciplinary measures and stopped the extortion and bullying of junior students by their senior colleagues. Infrastructure upgrades followed, including the renovation of the JSS 1 block, refurbishment of the Assembly Hall with window protectors, provision of offices for Vice Principals and the installation of iron doors and windows in six offices to enhance security and professionalism. Beyond discipline and facilities, he actively promoted sports and extra-curricular programmes, contributing to students achieving state and national recognition in academic and sporting competitions.
Elder Isonguyo Ekanem’s leadership is widely described as people-focused and results-oriented, driven by desire to make a change. His ability to stabilize troubled schools, modernize infrastructure, promote ICT education and inspire student excellence aligns strongly with the educational development goals of the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno. His track record reflects a practical understanding of the challenges at the grassroots level of education and demonstrates a capacity for policy implementation beyond school administration.
With proven records to the uplift of young people, Isonguyo Thomas Ekanem stands as a dependable public servant whose experience and leadership qualities make him well-suited for higher political responsibility within the education sector of Akwa Ibom State. Many observers believe that a political appointment would enable him to extend his transformative impact statewide, supporting the Governor’s ongoing drive for educational excellence and human capital development.
Elder Isonguyo Ekanem’s leadership style blends with integrity, administrative capacity, community engagement skills and a verified record of results, he represents the kind of forward-thinking public servant that Akwa Ibom State needs in higher leadership positions. Granting him a political appointment in the education and youth development sector would not merely reward diligence; it would strategically position a tested change-maker to replicate his successes on a statewide scale.
