Students in various schools in the country, especially those longing for admission into higher institutions of learning, have been tasked to take their studies “very seriously by imbibing unhindered habits in reading.”

This advice was handed down at the sixth and 2015 graduation ceremony of the Gateway Standard Academy in Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, by the chairman of the Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) of the Academy, Mr. Effiong Akpan, while addressing the graduands.

Mr. Akpan, who charged the graduands not to engage themselves in wasteful ventures by roaming the streets, told them, “instead, make friends with other students of good characters and sound academic standings, who would advise and guide you in your academic advancements.”

He lauded the parents of the graduating students, informing them that their levies and other contributions were not a waste, but judiciously used, “with the construction and completion of hostels, and the acquisition of school bus” for the school, “we should be proud of belonging here.”

The PTA chairman commended the director of the Academy, the principal, his vice-principal and members of the school’s academic board of directors, “who have over the years put up hard work and commitments to maintain and uplift the standard of the academy.”

In his remarks, the Principal of the Academy, Elder Marak Ibekwe, congratulated the graduands, for their contributions towards the progress of the school through their hard work, which he noted, “is the key to success,” saying that they have been armed with sound academic knowledge, “which would enable you to face the future challenges with determination, in a dwindling economy.”

The Guest Speaker at the graduation, Dr. (Mrs) Amabe Akpanta of the Department of Anatomy, University of Calabar, Cross River State, commended the outgoing students for a job well done in successfully completing their academic session, and reminded them that they had a big role to play in the society, which she described as “very competitive” as she charged them to “be hard working and put God first in all your endeavours, because He is the only one who gives life, knowledge and inspirations.”

The Director of the Gateway Standard Academy, Elder (Dr) Uwem I. Akpanuko, thanked the parents for placing their ‘’treasured children and wards’’ in the academy, assuring them that they would continue to work hard to enhance ‘’undiluted quality academic services, and to conform to the expected present day national and international bench-marks and standards.’’

Dr. Akpanuko, remarked that the school ranked one of the best in Ukanafun L.G.A. and in the state as regards collective operation and general academic services, disclosing that the school was currently the Ukanafun champions in the 2015 NNPC/Science Teachers Association Quiz Competition in Akwa Ibom State, and also took the first position in the March-past during the 2015 Democracy Day celebrations.

The Academy director, equally told the fanciful gathering that the Academy came out top as the brain power school in the 2015 Brain Power Conference, organised for Secondary Schools in the entire Ukanafun Local Government, saying that their ‘’academic products are already making waves in different higher institutions in the country.’’

News Express reports that a total of 83 students and pupils from both junior and senior schools of the Gateway Standard Academy graduated at the ceremony, while various prizes were presented to them, to mark the successful completion of the 2015 academic year of the institution.

•Photo shows PTA Chairman Effiong Akpan.

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