By Stephen Abia, Esq.
Since leadership entails the capacity to translate vision into reality, visionary leaders ultimately strive to execute strategies that transform set goals into tangible outcomes. This aphorism fittingly describes the relationship between the glaringly conspicuous dream of a technical or a technology laced educational system at Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom LGA and the reality which was instituted by Mr. Udom Emmanuel,CON, immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State and made to sprout fruits by Governor Umo Eno, the leader with the finisher’s anointing.
Growing up as a child in Ibiono Ibom, I heard my father, who was a longstanding headmaster, time and again refer technology-ambitious children to “Ikot Ada Idem” to have their inate skills groomed, harnessed and sharpened. “Ben enye ka Ikot Ada Idem” (Take him to Ikot Ada Idem) was fast becoming a cliche addressed to any parent whose child seemed good at craft and aspects of manual creativity. It was later as a grown up that I understood that there was a Government Technical College established in collaboration with the World Bank in the mid 70’s at Ikot Ada Idem to develop technical and vocational skills post-Nigerian Civil War.
Obviously, that institution never lived to see the late 90’s as it became moribund, and could only be used as a camp for internally displaced persons up until the intervention of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON., Governor of Akwa Ibom State, as he then was.
Our “Ikot Ada Idem”, following the super touch by Mr. Udom Emmanuel in 2019, got revamped, remodeled and revitalized. Christened, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center (DASAC), it got designed to provide a one-stop shop, for world-class, cutting-edge and needs-driven technical skills training, tailored towards the developmental needs of Akwa Ibom State, leveraging experience, equipment, processes and strategic partnerships and linkages to empower the future. With this concept, vision and mission, the institution found its feet with the enabling instrument, and necessary management and administrative paraphernalia.
Former Governor Udom Emmanuel
DASAC is Nigeria’s largest vocational training facility, located on 12.8 hectares in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom state. It includes fully equipped workshops, an integrated farm, and experienced facilitators, capable of training up to five thousand students. DASAC offers practical courses for private companies, government institutions, and individuals seeking professional skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
DASAC is a dream come true. To the admiration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, during an on the spot check prior to the convocation ceremony, the synergies existing and exhibited by stakeholders encourage the needed school climate for learning, hence, the churning out of this first set of graduates.
There are various programmes already explored by students.
The Civil and Building Technology programme equips students for construction careers with courses in masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, and project management.
Another is the venture into modern farming with DASAC’s Agriculture programme where there is hands-on training in sustainable crops, livestock management, and aquaculture aimed at building skills for a thriving agri-career.
Yet another is Wood Technology where students unlock the potential of wood with the Wood Technology programme. The trainees learn carpentry, furniture design, and wood processing.
DASAC
Also on the menu is Steel and Metal Technology where DASAC offers specialized training in welding, metal fabrication, and machining.
Hospitality and LifeStyle Management is in the package. Students are, here, expected to excel in hospitality, gaining expertise in culinary arts, event management, and catering for leadership roles.
And, then, Information Communication Technology offers cutting-edge courses in web development, cybersecurity, AI, and robotics to keep students at the forefront of technology.
What is more, than to say, THANK YOU, MR. UDOM EMMANUEL!
In the contemporary world led by technical and technological advancements on a daily basis, we are not left behind.
While thumbs up goes to Governor Umo Eno for starting, funding the school, and ensuring the first graduation of students, let us again applaud Mr. Udom Emmanuel with a million radiant garlands for having seen the far future many years ago.
