Israel Umoh
Age is a figure, not deterrence to him. His unimpaired vision helps him to read without a pair of glasses. His razor-sharp memory is penetrating, capable of delving into archives of his life’s existence. His comportment, articulation and elocution are turning points to a first-time visitor. What an extraordinary being! This is introducing nonagenarian Moses Akpanudo to the front row seat of great achievers.
Born in Obong Ntak then in Abak Division now in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Moses is a man richly endowed in diverse ways and is blossoming like a fruitful palm tree. Like a palm tree whose usefulness is accentuated from the fronds to the root, Moses is a vintage person who rose from the ashes of orphanage and poverty to the threshold of affluence and fame.
During his formative days, Moses might have embraced Nelson Mandela’s wise saying ”Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” His vision for quality education as a weapon of change is second to none. As an orphan, he did not allow the circumstance of life to deter him from academic craving. Prolonged sickness with no money for treatment, not brilliance, made him to repeat Standard Four. Despite his parental deficit, his mother provided him with broad shoulders which he climbed to a greater height in life.
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Quintessential Moses had voluptuous desire for the proverbial Golden Fleece. As an uncompromising believer in quality education, he changed schools like Okrika clothes just to assuage his insatiable academic thirst. Though Obong Ntak had a primary school, little Moses viewed it inferior to what he yearned for in attainment of greatness. Hence, he sacrificed his comfort in quest of quality education. Moving from Ibio Group School close to his village to faraway Ukanafun Central School gladdened his heart. After a year, he together with army of his friends bid goodbye to it and moved to Ikot Edong High School still in quest of knowledge.
In pursuit of secondary education, Moses gained admission into the famous State College, Ikot Ekpene. Unfortunately, he dropped out of the premier school in Class Two due to paucity of funds. This weakened his body, but did not break his undying spirit.
Relentless Akpanudo was later offered employment by The Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Akpan Anwa as a pupil teacher. Aside, he taught in and headed several primary schools. Apart from serving as Vice Principal and Principal in some secondary schools, he changed many lives, imparted knowledge and brightened destinies of young ones.
Undeterred by adversity, Moses forayed to various institutions to acquire further education. To him, Dr. Seuss’ belief “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” was a compelling key to greater success. Moses had attended TTC, sat for GCE, attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and bagged different qualifications, before he flew to overseas for his Master’s and Ph.d.
Love, Moses believes, is a splendored thing that must be tested to determine fidelity of the lovebirds. Julia Child says “The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.” To Moses, true love has no boundary hence his stance in falling in love with and subsequent marriage to his former pupil and heartthrob, former Miss Jessie Thomas Ekaiko. So far, the couple’s 65th wedding anniversary also known as Blue Sapphire has birthed four men and one woman – a Professor, medical doctor, lawyer, academic doctor and a university registrar.
In fact, Joan Marques had Moses in mind when he pens “It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime.” Moses is a generous giver. To do this effectively, he resorted to establish institutions in his community to bring development to the grassroots level.
Upon graduating from foreign universities, Moses was nostalgic. The saying “home sweet home” epiphany enticed him home. He came to plant, nurse and grow education tree in his locality.
But, his kinsmen thought differently. “Let us vote for him to represent us in the Cross River State House of Assembly” was their affirmation.
Akpanudo contested under the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), won and represented the good people of Utu/Obong State Constituency in the defunct house from 1979-83. Owing to his sterling performance in the House and unassailable qualities, he opted to vie for the governorship of the state under the UPN. Due to mounting pressure, he stepped down for the late Brigadier Udoakagha Jacob Esuene, the pioneer military governor of Cross River State. Understandable and bridge builder Akpanudo was elected as the party’s Chairman.
While in the house of Assembly, Akpanudo greatly contributed to the establishment of such schools as Obong High School, Obong Ntak; Secondary School, Ikot Esop and Iwukem High School, Iwukem all in Etim Ekpo LGA.
Dissatisfied, Akpanudo unremittingly established African College of Management, Obong Ntak, the institution that cradled the establishment of Obong University, the pioneer privately owned university in the state recognized by National Universities Commission.
In all, he is an embodiment of a father figure, marvelous family man, worthy scholar, amazing counselor, church builder, community mobiliser, wise investor and incredible/visionary leader.
As he clocks 91 on Monday, May 13, Straightnews newspapers wishes the sagacious university founder and great thinker more fulfilled years capped with God’s grace, sound health and wisdom.
Once again, 91 gbosas to Professor Moses Akpanudo!
