By steve anyebe.
The entrance to the expansive premises of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Akpegede, Otukpo, Benue State, has suddenly taken on a new look. The gate and its surroundings seem to be attended to on an hourly basis now. The grasses, which hitherto behaved in unruly manners, overgrowing both vertically and horizontally, have been tamed, leaving the whole area really trim and beautiful.
Farmers from Otukpo town and Akpegede village now stop to admire the FSTC entrance on their way to and from their farms. They are probably surprised that the former nondescript appearance could be so completely changed in such a short time.
Yours sincerely snooped around Akpegede to get some fillers regarding the new pride of place the FSTC entrance has adopted, only to be told that the new Principal is behind it all. This new look is not limited to the entrance, but has also permeated the vital areas of the academic institution. Classrooms are being renovated. Drainage lines are being re-established and concretely endowed. FSTC Otukpo has become a great beehive of activities with all the attendant construction works. The import of this is that the youths in Akpegede and other peripheral settlements have become more fruitfully engaged, their income has increased and their spending power blown up, resulting in happier lives. The positive consequences of a positively engaged youth population in any settlement include: an enhanced community economic base; a less criminally inclined society; a brighter future for children; as well as a pervading positive peace environment and rest of mind for the elderly in the communities.
So whoever is instituting strategies to positively engage youths, as is being done by the new Principal of FSTC Otukpo, is doing the general society immeasurable service that must be commended.
In Akpegede, the loud mouths are also quick to point out that the New Principal has also employed some local security men and women from the village to keep their eagle eyes around the walls of the College, with the view to arresting bounds breakers. What is more, these security agents are very well paid.
Stories abound about the greatness of this New Principal of FSTC Otukpo. It is also said that he has substantially increased the salaries of the PTA staff. This alone is unequalled motivation for the teaching staff. The result of a motivated teacher can best be imagined.
Trying to get the name of the New Principal of FSTC Otukpo, became a herculian task as even the loudest mouths and his greatest beneficiaries in Akpegede suddenly realized that *”New Principal”* is not his name.
Whatever the name of the New Principal of FSTC Otukpo is, on the occasion of World Teachers Day today, a huge thumbs up for him!
*There are teachers and there are indeed Teachers*.
*This piece was written and published on International Teachers Day 2021.*
