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F.C.E, OBUDU MOURNS THE RT. HON. DR. JOSEPH WAYAS
The Federal College of Education, Obudu is in deep mourning over the death of the Right Honourable Dr. Joseph Wayas, the founding father of the College. The announcement of the demise of this great statesman was made by the Governor of Cross River State. His Excellency, Senator Professor Ben Ayade on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.
For the College, and indeed the entire people of Cross River North Federal Constituency which he once represented at the hallowed chambers of the Senate of the Federal Republic, the exit of this iconic personality marked the end of a glorious era that was remarkably noted for his progressive politics, unbridled statesmanship and love for the people.
The Right Honourable Dr. Joseph Wayas had served the Country as Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. During this period, he was able to build bridges of love and understanding with his colleagues and also promoted the core values of justice, equity and fairness all over the Country. As a result, he became a father-figure to so many and was greatly loved and admired for his progressive politics which was anchored on making life more meaningful for everyone. He touched lives in very significant ways and made giant prints in the sands of time.
The Federal College of Education, Obudu remains the greatest beneficiary of the political struggles of this visionary leader. As Senate president, he caused the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari to establish the College in 1982. This institution of higher learning has grown in diverse ways and now awards both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree in various programmes in affiliation with the University of Calabar. With the establishment of the School, access to quality tertiary education effectively became entrenched in the area. Today the College remains the pride of the good people of both Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
Dr. Joseph Wayas continued with his pioneering efforts by mobilising his enormous goodwill in both government and the society at large by attracting monumental infrastructural development to the College. This can be attested to by the quantum of physical and structural development that are currently on ground in the College. He sustained this legacy of conscionable development of the College throughout his life time. Even with the challenges of old age and precarious health conditions which had put him out of circulation for some time, the Right Honourable Dr. Joseph Wayas had rallied the support of other numerous benefactors on behalf of the College.
While reacting to the news of the passage of this great leader, Mrs Grace A. Undie, Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council on behalf of the Council, Management, Staff and Students said the demise of the most respected Right Honourable Dr. Joseph Wayas is indeed a monumental loss to the College. She pointed out that Senator Wayas was a strong pillar that had supported the College right from inception and prayed God to give him eternal rest in His Kingdom. The Registrar captured the mind-set of the entire College Community as we will all remain eternally grateful to this selfless patriot for his unequalled contributions to the establishment, growth and development of our great College.
May his Soul rest in Peace. Amen.
