On Saturday, 18th January 2025, St. Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen, welcomed a Distinguished Guest, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, a former Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dr. Usman, who served at the school during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 51 years ago, returned to inspire students and staff with his life experiences.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Key Ingredients of Success,” Dr. Usman shared insights from his extensive career in both the public and private sectors. He emphasized the values of self awareness, setting worthy goals and ideals, keeping trust, having loving relationships, maintaining good health and energy, financial freedom and Peace of mind, as essential ingredients of success.
In a remarkable gesture of unsolicited generosity, Dr. Usman, amongst other donations, also instituted an annual award for the best Economics student, a subject he taught as a Youth Corper and he still holds close to his heart. This initiative aims to inspire students to excel in Economics and their academic pursuits. He also promised to ‘connect’ the school to greater opportunities that he will have in future.
Dr. Usman expressed profound admiration for the school, describing it as “the best of the best.” He applauded the administration and Staff for upholding high standards and nurturing well-rounded students over the years.
Reflecting on his time at the school, Dr. Usman shared nostalgic memories and urged the students to seize the opportunities before them, striving for excellence in all they do.
The event was attended by students, staff, Corp members and other dignitaries including the AKWA IBOM STATE Cordinator of NYSC, represented by Mr. Bartholomew Ogbonna and the Obot Akara Local Govt Inspector, Mrs Helen Anyama. It also had in attendance, a veteran journalist, Mr. Etim Etim, who formed part of his entourage, the Prinvipal of Methodist Biys school, Nto Ndang. Some parents and Alumni, represented by the PTA and the Vice President of the Alumni Association, were in attendance.
In his remarks, the Principal of the school, Rev. Fr. EMEM Umoren, appreciated the commendable gestures of the guest and gave him a Service Excellence Award. The Principal also announced that Dr. Usman’s generous donation to the school will be used to construct a modern Basketball pitch in his honour. Acknowledging the description of SCOSSI as the best of the best, Fr. EMEM said there was no going back on that unique philosophy of excellence. He advised prospective parents to consider bringing their kids to this citadel of learning. The visit of Dr. Usman has left a significant impact. His words of wisdom and his generous gesture will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the St. Columbanus community for years to come.
