The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with COAFRICA and the Build-a-School Initiative in Africa (BASIA), recently donated a newly constructed block of classrooms and educational materials to Government Technical College (GTC), Esuk Ekpo Eyo, in the Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.
During a handover ceremony held Feb. 4, 2026, Church representatives formally presented six newly built classrooms, 120 student desks and chairs, and additional educational materials to the school, formerly known as Government Migrant Technical College.
Dr. Asibong cuts the ribbon marking the formal handover of the building on 4 February, 2026.
Dr. Asibong, the Governor's representative, cuts the ribbon marking the formal handover of the building on 4 February, 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Government Technical College is a state-owned technical and vocational secondary school that provides training in technical trades and applied sciences. School leaders say the institution has faced significant infrastructure challenges due to increased student enrollment, including refugee students. Recently, the school has operated from borrowed classroom facilities, limiting space and resources for learning.
The new classrooms provide a permanent learning space designed to improve educational conditions and help the school better meet the growing demand for technical education.
The project reflects a shared commitment between the Church and its partners to strengthen education and support youth development in the region.
Representing the Africa West Area Presidency, Elder Victor O. Bassey, an Area Seventy, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Church, government leaders and community partners. He encouraged students to value their education and use the new facilities responsibly.
“It is one thing to receive property and another thing to make good use of it,” Elder Bassey said. “Education changes the way we think, the way we work and ultimately how we contribute to society.”
- Elder-Victor-Bassey-of-the-70-dedicates-the-new-classrooms-on-4-February,-2026.
- First-Lady-of-the-State-addresses-the-audience-on-4-February,-2026.
- Elder-Bassey-and-Brother-Ukorebi-explain-The-Church's-efforts-on-education-and-humanitarian-work-to-the-Governor-on-4-February,-2026.
- Students-waiting-to-enjoy-their-new-classrooms-during-the-handover-on-4-February,-2026.
- President-and-Sister-Oryang-of-the-Calabar-Nigeria-Mission-gift-the-Governor-a-copy-of-the-Book-of-Mormon-on-4-February-2026.
- The-new-building-with-the-block-of-classrooms-handed-over-on-4-February-2026.
- Government-officials-and-Church-leaders-come-together-for-the-handover-ceremony-on-4-February-2026.
- Community-high-chiefs-watch-the-proceedings-of-the-handover-ceremony-on-4-February,-2026.
- Community-members-gather-to-witness-the-joyous-occasion-of-the-school-handover-on-4-February-2026.
- Church-leaders-from-the-Calabar-Nigeria-missison-meet-with-His-Excellency,-The-Governor-of-Cross-River-State-on-4-February,-2026.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Dr. Bong Duke, vice chairman and chief executive officer of the State Planning Commission in Calabar, represented Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu at the event. He thanked the Church and its partners for supporting the government’s efforts to improve access to education.
“Government cannot do it alone,” Dr. Duke said. “Partnerships like this are essential to sustainable development.” He also encouraged other organizations to support education initiatives and urged community members to help maintain the new facilities.
Representing the First Lady of Cross River State, Rev. Mrs. Eyoawan Edet Otu, Apostle Dr. (Mrs.) Queen Eton Essien, special adviser on programmes in the Office of the First Lady, conveyed appreciation to the Church and its partners. She encouraged the school community to maintain the classrooms to ensure long-term benefits for students.
Dr. Victor Ukorebi, senior international area manager for BYU-Pathway in Africa and chief executive officer of the Build-a-School Initiative in Africa, said the project reflects the Church’s long-standing commitment to education.
“The Church believes deeply in education as a tool for transformation,” Dr. Ukorebi said. “This project came through promptings of the Spirit and a shared conviction that investing in education is investing in the future.”
Etim Itam E., principal of Government Technical College, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the new classrooms and furnishings will significantly improve teaching and learning conditions. He pledged that the facilities would be carefully maintained and used for their intended purpose.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Grace Edet said the new classrooms bring renewed hope and motivation for students pursuing their education.
The Church’s support of education is rooted in its belief that each individual has divine potential and that learning helps individuals develop their talents and better serve their families and communities. President D. Todd Christofferson has taught, “Our interest is learning, of course — higher education — but not just for the purpose of the edification, the progress, and the development of the individual, but for what it qualifies that person to be in life and to contribute.”
Elder Bassey formally dedicated the new classroom building. The project represents another example of the Church’s humanitarian and educational outreach efforts in West Africa.