By Etebong Akpan
Students of Cornelia Connelly College (CCC), Uyo, were recently reminded that dormitories are more than sleeping quarters — they are spaces for shared dreams, mutual support, and lifelong friendships. This inspiring charge came during the official handover of newly renovated hostel blocks and other facilities by the school’s USA/Canada-based Old Girls’ Association.
The event, held on the school premises, witnessed the ceremonial presentation of refurbished dormitory blocks — St. Mary, St. Imelda, St. Vincent, and St. Catherine — along with upgraded bathrooms and the donation of 50 Chromebooks to the computer laboratory.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Diaspora President of the CCC Old Girls’ Association (USA/Canada), Lauretta Annah, in a message delivered by Professor Patience Akpanobong, emphasised that the dormitories were not just physical structures, but chapters in the unfolding stories of the students’ lives.
“These are not just buildings,” she said. “They are sanctuaries of comfort, possibility, and ambition. Use them to challenge one another and to nurture the future leaders you are becoming.”
She noted that the refurbished dormitories and digital tools symbolise the association’s belief in the intelligence, integrity, creativity, and strength of the current students — young Cornelians poised to shape tomorrow.
Annah added that the investment was not only in concrete and technology but in community, care, and character development.
“Late-night conversations. Shared ambitions. Quiet moments of reflection. These are the intangible assets that grow within these walls — as they did for us,” she reflected.
She commended all members of the association and gave special praise to the National President, Dr. Iniobong Usoro, for her unflinching dedication and coordination of alumni-led projects. She also expressed gratitude to the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) for its consistent support in making CCC a beacon of excellence.
However, she appealed for further intervention from the state government, particularly in addressing the student-teacher ratio, facility maintenance, and campus security, including the installation of perimeter fencing.
“Together, we can build a future where every girl in CCC not only dreams but dares to achieve,” she concluded.
Also speaking, Obonganwan Maria Theresa Adiakpan, the State President of the association, represented by Mrs. Benedict Ekandem, said the association exists to preserve the legacy of the school by “giving back, building up, and creating better opportunities” for future generations.
According to her, the national body, which operates as a non-governmental organisation, serves as mentors and role models for current students and is committed to sponsoring projects that support both academic and infrastructural development.
“This dormitory renovation is a symbol of that commitment. Our collective goal is to ensure that today’s students have better opportunities than we did,” she stated.
She also called for more hands-on involvement and partnerships from the public and private sectors, saying:
“We cannot do this alone. Our sources of income remain limited to fundraising, donations, and membership dues. But our dreams for CCC are limitless.”
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Caroline Udofia, Principal of CCC, described the college as a legacy institution, nurturing exceptional women across various sectors. She thanked the USA/Canada chapter for its unwavering support and extended appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for swiftly addressing the school’s erosion problem near the library.
The principal also praised former First Lady and CCC alumna, Dr. Martha Emmanuel, for past contributions, including a KVA generator, modern kitchen, classroom renovations, erosion control measures, and a new Sisters’ convent, among other legacy projects.
However, she pointed out that the school still faces challenges, such as poor perimeter fencing, inadequate transportation, limited lighting, and a lack of a large assembly hall to accommodate the growing student population.
In a goodwill message, Mrs. Grace Etuk, Director of the Local Education Committee (LEC), lauded the Old Girls for their dedication, emphasising that the dormitory renovations would foster a safer, more supportive environment for learning.
The Permanent Secretary of SSEB, Elder Okon Tom, applauded the gesture as a “sterling act of belief in the Arise Agenda of the state government on education.” He noted that such contributions, especially in tough economic times, showed a deep commitment to the cause of education and youth development.
In her remarks, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, Chairman of SSEB, noted that dormitories serve as foundations not just for academic development but also for moulding young girls into future wives, mothers, and leaders. She promised continued support from the board and praised the teachers for their dedication.
On behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ubong Umoh, represented by Dr. Anietie Ikot, described the donation as a testament to the idea that “education for all is the responsibility of all.” He commended CCC Uyo as a frontline institution deserving of continuous investment.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Professor Akpanobong, blessing and dedication of the dormitories by School Chaplain, Rev. Fr. A. Idobo, and a cultural display and welcome song by the students.
As the event drew to a close, one message resonated clearly through every speech, gesture, and performance: the legacy of CCC lives on — not just in its buildings, but in the bonds of sisterhood and the spirit of service that continues to illuminate the path for future generations.
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