By Dennis Udoma

Regina Coeli College (RECCOBA), Essene, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, marked its 70th anniversary recently, with a renewed call for collective responsibility, massive investment in education and strategic repositioning of the institution to meet contemporary challenges.

The landmark celebration featured the launch of a ₦200 million Endowment Fund, unveiling of a commemorative book and the honouring of distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields.

Dignitaries at the event included; the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah; traditional rulers, lawmakers, clergy, alumni from within and outside Nigeria, and other eminent guests.

President of the Regina Coeli College Old Boys Association (RECCOBA), Hon. Mathias Donatus Idiong, described the 70th anniversary as “the beginning of a new era of responsibility to meet the demands of a new age,” urging government, corporate organisations and individuals to support the revival of the once-renowned institution.

“This is a day of gratitude, recognition and renewed commitment. It is a reminder that all hands must be on deck to take Regina Coeli College back to where it once was, an institution synonymous with academic excellence and moral discipline,” Idiong said.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers and the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, the proprietor of the college, noting that RECCOBA had produced generations of outstanding professionals who have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally.

As part of the anniversary, eminent alumni were honoured for their outstanding contributions to academia, medicine, public service and nation-building.

They included; Professor Celestine T. John (001), the first student admitted into the college in 1956 and a retired Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Professor Akaneren Essien, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo; Professor Ndifreke Patrick Udonwa, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar; Professor Eno Ibanga, former Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University and currently, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Provost, Akwa Ibom’ State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Professor Mathew Albert Ekpo, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital/former Provost, College of Medicine, University of Uyo, Prof. Etete James Peters; and Professor Paul Dienye.

Also honoured were; Obong Boniface Ekwere, author of the original stanza of the school anthem, and Professor Paul Dienye, who produced a revised version of the anthem with musical composition.

In recognition of loyalty to the institution, families that enrolled more than two children in the college over the years received Awards of Trust and Patronage.

Hon. Idiong commended the old boys who have directly contributed to infrastructural development in the school, including; Rt. Hon. Barrister Uwem Ekanem for the construction of a perimeter fence; Rt. Hon. Uduak Ududo for hostel and classroom projects; and Hon. Joseph A. Idiong for the installation of solar lighting.

Appealing to Governor Umo Eno for government support, Idiong described the governor as a leader with “a listening ear and a human face,” stressing that the endowment fund was designed to upgrade facilities and enhance teaching quality.

“Our goal is to give back to the institution that laid the golden egg by repositioning it with modern facilities and motivated teachers,” he said.

He outlined key projects under his tenure to include renovation of the school kitchen, rehabilitation of laboratories, provision of furniture, upgrading of staff quarters, acquisition of a school bus and establishment of a national RECCOBA secretariat in Uyo.

Earlier, a thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Bishop Ayah, who admonished old boys to act in faith and unity, drawing lessons from the First Epistle of John and the Gospel of John.

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Aniekan Udo Ekere, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, described Regina Coeli College as a beacon of learning that shaped his academic foundation and moral values, noting that the 70-year milestone was “a testament to sustained commitment to quality education and character formation.”

Also speaking, the Member representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uduak Ududo, congratulated the college and pledged continued infrastructural support, urging other alumni to contribute to the ongoing revitalisation efforts.

Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, said the college had produced generations of productive citizens who contributed significantly to state and national development from the colonial era to the present.

The celebration climaxed with the conferment of distinguished family and individual awards on notable alumni and supporters in recognition of their contributions to the growth and enduring legacy of Regina Coeli College.

The anniversary ended with a firm resolve by the Old Boys Association to sustain the momentum and ensure that RECCOBA remains a centre of excellence for generations to come.