As part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebrations, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Ambassadors have thrown the spotlight on academic excellence by recognising top-performing students from Cross River South Senatorial District who scored the highest in the recently released JAMB results. This initiative, under the Senator’s Ambassadors Programme, aims to encourage academic distinction and support bright indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education.
In a public announcement, parents and guardians were invited to share the JAMB results of their children – specifically indigenous students from the seven LGAs of Cross River South: Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Biase, Bakassi, Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, and Odukpani – who scored 220 and above. The call attracted an enthusiastic response from across the senatorial district. From the entries received, the following five students emerged as the top scorers: Asuquo Queeneth Ekpe (Odukpani LGA) – 317, Ukam Joseph Ukam (Biase LGA) – 300, Ironbar Joel Bassey (Calabar South LGA) – 289, Bassey Christine Effiom (Calabar Municipality LGA) – 246, Effiom Samuel-Effiom (Bakassi LGA)- 220
Among the proud parents of these brilliant students is Mrs Joel Ironbar, mother of Ironbar Joel Bassey, who expressed her profound gratitude to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for recognizing academic excellence. She noted that such gestures not only uplift families but also motivate other students to aim higher. Similarly, Mrs Ukam Joseph, mother of Ukam Joseph Ukam, praised the Senator’s initiative, calling it a timely encouragement that promotes a strong culture of learning among youths in the region.
Asuquo Queeneth Ekpe, the top scorer with 317 also voiced her appreciation, “I am grateful to Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for recognizing us. It means a lot to be celebrated, and it encourages me to work even harder. Thank you for believing in young people like me.”
Speaking through his Media Aide, Charles Ekanem, Senator Ekpenyong congratulated the students and reiterated his dedication to building a generation of educated, empowered leaders through strategic investment in education. “This is more than a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to raising a generation that is academically sound and socially responsible,” he said.
The JAMB Ambassadors are expected to receive further support through mentorship and other educational opportunities, reinforcing Senator Ekpenyong’s belief that excellence must be nurtured, not just applauded.