SLAWD PETERS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY IN THE AREA OF AKWA IBOM 1973 2017
ABSTRACT
The concept of indigenous technology as the basis for national development has engaged the attention of policy formulators, government, as well as development experts. Scarce resources have accordingly been spent on the importation of foreign technology to the detriment of indigenous technological development with few positive results to show for. Policy formulators often gloss over the fact that certain aspect of development requires domestication in tandem with some aspects of indigenous socio-economic practices. The focus of this work therefore, is to examine the role of Slawd Peters- an indigenous vocational institution and her contributions to the Akwa Ibom Area. The methodology adopted is based on the use of primary and secondary sources. The work reveals that, though Slawd Peters has trained qualified man-power working in establishment as diverse as the agro-allied, oil and gas, and through the fabrication of various agro equipments, her very existence as a famous indigenous establishment is been threatened by the problem of multiple taxation, funding, inadequate social infrastructure and lopsided governmental policies.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Slawd Peters Technical Institute, Ikot Ekan was established in the year 1970, located in present day Etinan Local Government area of Akwa Ibom State. All along, the thought of establishing a centre for the training of young men and women in technical education, skill acquisition in metal fabrication, auto mechanical works, arc and gas welding, pipe welding, oil field services and general education kept re-echoing in the proprietor’s mind. This thought, apparently, was not unconnected to the fact that the founder, Elder Okon had and still has an undying love for young people and hated, with passion to see them wallow in poverty. This unprecedented humanitarian dream eventually came to fruition in 19701.
That year, Elder Okon established Peters Engineering and construction works and Peters technical Institute. According to Ola Olanipekun, a pivotal rationale behind the establishment of Slawd Peters was the never-say-die spirit embedded in Elder Obot; who he observed never crossed his legs and arms in contentment. Instead, day-by-day, he kept on working harder, seeking for improved manner of keeping the hope of the teeming youths of the Akwa Ibom area and beyond alive2.
There is therefore, no gain saying that it was this dedication to the betterment of lives that propelled Elder Obot to strive to meet the required standards of the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) in a bid to making his school the first and only NABTEB centre in Etinan Local Government Area3.
The ultimate purpose of the school was to add value to life of young adults. The institute came as a succor to the teeming jobless youths and alternative for Grammar School and the Civil Service. It came as alternative route to self sustenance and reasonable living based on the application of one’s given talent.
Like the Biblical seed that fell on fertile soil, Peters Engineering and construction institution germinated, grew, development and produced fruits in due season. Following series of rigorous training of the students, the institute graduated her first set of trainees three years after her establishment. That was in 1973.
Within the years, the exploits, achievements and impacts of the institute on her trainees naturally, with little or absolute no advertisement, announced themselves. So loved, effective and impactful was the institute that everyone, including the number one citizen (the Governor) of the then South Eastern State, Late Brigadier-General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene could audibly hear and clearly felt it.
Little wonder then that the Governor himself officially commissioned the institute and was present at the graduation ceremony of the pioneer graduate who comprised of twenty-four students (Eight from Etinan and one each from the Sixteen Local Government Areas of the then South Eastern State). All of them were single handedly sponsored by the proprietor, Elder Okon Joshua Obot4.
SLAWD PETERS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY IN THE AREA OF AKWA IBOM 1973 2017
