VC seeks nurturing of young talents for income generation

Ini Billie, Uyo

Vice Chancellor at the University of Uyo Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, has advocated the nurturing of young Nigerian talents, saying it could translate into a source of income.

Prof Ndaeyo called on the Management of the University of Uyo International Secondary School (UISS), to take advantage of the young talents discovered during the school’s maiden Inter-house sports competition and groom them for future competitions at the national and international levels.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo, the VC said the competition showed that in addition to educational training, the students have developed special skills and talents in various sports which if nurtured, the likes of Aniefiok Udobong, Vincent Enyieama, and Austin Okocha, would be discovered.

He urged the school’s authority to make efforts to nurture talents discovered during the competition and urged them to do more so that as the school advances in years, its exploits in sports activities would be unimaginable.

He mentioned that the event was unique as it was the first time the competition would be organised in the school, saying organising the event within three years of the school’s establishment was a feat, as the history of sports in the school would have the participants who contested in its maiden edition.

“As you have seen, today is very unique. What makes it unique is simply the fact that this is the maiden edition and there can never be any other maiden edition than today. So, when the history of sports would be written about the school, at least you would be mentioned.

“The Uniuyo International Secondary School is barely three years old and a child that is three years is attempting or trying to walk; and I assure you that by the time they attain more years, they would do more than what they have done at this year’s competition,” he stated.

Prof. Ndaeyo emphasised that the crop of talents having mounted the podium of the University of Uyo to receive awards and trophies could become future champions at the state, national and international levels.

He advised parents and guardians to invest much in the training of their children as they have different potentials that could be harnessed to enable them to earn better in life.

In his welcome address, the Principal, Uniuyo International Secondary School (UISS), Mr Uduak Anwana, said the school was established, “out of the desire to bridge the gap, not only in the acquisition of knowledge but also, to develop the spirit of sportsmanship among students.

“The main aim of education is more education; which is an inescapable responsibility associated with our teaching-learning process at UISS. Education is a multifaceted means of the holistic development of an individual.

“Sport, as an essential part of the school’s co-curricular activity, provides basic ingredients for the physical and mental well-being of a child. Sport unites and builds nations; strengthens bonds among individuals; inculcates discipline; builds self-esteem and confidence; promotes teamwork; broadens perspectives and views; enhances economic vitality and capability; builds endurance and perseverance; revives relationships and many more,” he stated.

In the overall result, Blue House emerged winner with 292 points, followed by Purple House with 264 points, while Green House, emerged third with 244 points.

In the match pass, Green House took the first position, followed by blue and purple houses which came second and third respectively. Purple House won in Volleyball, while Yellow House emerged winner in football. Medals and trophies were presented to individual winners and houses.