Hope Waddell Training Institution

Last updated
Hope Waddell Training Institution
Hope Waddell.jpg
Hope Waddell Training institute. December 2012.
MottoIn Spe Gloria Dei
("In hope of the glory of God")
TypeSecondary
Established1895;128 years ago (1895)
Location, ,
4°58′27.99811″N8°19′34.79833″E / 4.9744439194°N 8.3263328694°E / 4.9744439194; 8.3263328694 Coordinates: 4°58′27.99811″N8°19′34.79833″E / 4.9744439194°N 8.3263328694°E / 4.9744439194; 8.3263328694
Hope Wadell Logo.jpg
Hope Waddell Training Institution
Nigeria location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location in Nigeria

The Hope Waddell Training Institution (HOWAD) is a school in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria founded by missionaries from the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland in 1895. It is named after the Reverend Hope Masterton Waddell. [1]

Contents

Establishment and growth

Mary Slessor was a driving force behind the establishment of HOWAD.

The school started in 1895. Slessor landed in Calabar in 1876.

Mary Mitchell Slessor, a driving force behind establishment of the institute Mary Slessor.jpg
Mary Mitchell Slessor, a driving force behind establishment of the institute

The Scottish missionary Mary Mitchell Slessor, who had done much work with the Efik people around Calabar, was a driving force behind the establishment of the Institute. [2] Edinburgh was hesitant about accepting Slessor's demand to establish an industrial training center, but eventually decided to set up an institute on similar lines to its two existing ones in Africa, Lovedale Institute in South Africa and Livingstonia in Nyasaland. [3] Robert Laws, a United Presbyterian minister who had been involved with both of these institutions for a long time, was sent to make a feasibility study. Laws expressed complete confidence that the success of the other two schools could be replicated in Calabar. [3]

The institution was established in 1894. [3] The first school building was a prefabricated classroom block of corrugated iron sheets and Scandinavian pitch pine, built by a Glasgow firm and shipped to Calabar, where it was assembled in 1894. [1] By March 1895 teaching had commenced. [3] By 1900 the school had forty-two students. Two were doing gardening, five printing, eight tailoring, five engineering, eleven carpentry and eleven baking. According to Henry Carr the boys were "well disciplined, and their appearance... cheerful and healthy." They generally spoke English well and had good penmanship. However, the instruction programs were somewhat haphazard, dictated by whatever job the department was undertaking at any given time. [4]

The school was more expensive than other missions, since it required machinery for industrial training, and by 1902 the mission was forced to accept government funding. [5] As the school became established, competition for places became intense since graduates were guaranteed employment by the government, the mission or other local businesses, or had the opportunity to go on to higher studies. [2] The balance of pupils, at first dominated by coastal communities, gradually shifted to include more from the hinterland. In 1919 the school had 31 Ibibio pupils compared to 82 Efik. By 1927 there were over 50 Ibibio pupils and by 1931 86 Ibibio, with 119 Efik. [6] But students came to the school from all over West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Dahomey, the Cameroons and Fernando Po. [1]

Early curriculum

The school provided practical training to male students in carpentry, masonry, blacksmithing, coopering, naval engineering, brickmaking and bricklaying. Female students were taught dress-making and tailoring, domestic science and accountancy. The school soon became the largest vocational training institution in West Africa. [2] The school maintained a vessel on the Calabar River, "The Diamond" for use by students studying maritime subjects. The region of Calabar called Diamond Hill takes its name from the vessel. [1] In 1898 the school began teaching tailoring and bakery, with the products sold in the city markets. Agricultural students who worked on maintaining the botanical gardens and public parks in Calabar were given free board, clothing and tuition and some pocket money. They showed that new plants to the region including mango, banana, coffee and especially lemon and orange could flourish, although local farmers resisted these innovations. [5]

In 1902, Rev. James Luke introduced soccer into the timetable despite opposition by parents, who thought it was a waste of time. Luke defended the sport as being healthy and teaching children cooperation and self-discipline. [7] In the first two decades of the twentieth century, many Hope Waddell graduates moved to Lagos, from 1906 the capital of the new Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, to take white-collar jobs with the government. They brought with them their love of soccer, fostering the growth of teams in the city. [8] Luke, who had picked up the game during seven years as a missionary in Jamaica, could thus perhaps be credited with introducing soccer to Nigeria. [9]

A large flat-bed printing Wharfedale press was donated by "friends in Scotland" in 1903 and was still in use after 1960. Students worked in the print works and also as journalists on the Observer, Calabar's first newspaper, which was produced on the mission press. In 1903 the HWTI added classes in typing, shorthand, bookkeeping, business management and commerce. The school also included a standard all-ages school section giving primary and secondary education, with fees required for secondary school students. In 1921 Calabar was designated by the government as a secondary examination center for the Cambridge Local Examination. That year 8 students passed the examination out of 14 candidates from HWTI, which was considered an excellent result. [10]

Later years

After independence in 1960, followed by closure of the Presbyterian mission, the school became a standard state secondary school. Today it basically runs a grammar school curriculum. The buildings were allowed to deteriorate, the gardens were neglected, and of 2,000 students less than 200 are boarders. In 1994 the Old Boys Association launched a program to rehabilitate the school, with a fund-raising drive. Goals were to tar the access roads, install an electricity generator, renovate the science laboratories, equip the school library and erect a statue of Hope Waddell. By 2005, most of these goals had been met. [1]

Early principals

Principals up to the 1960s were: [11]

PrincipalEthnicityYears
W.R. ThompsonScottish1895 - 1902
James LukeScottish1902 - 07
J.K. MacgregorScottish1907 - 43
E. B. JonesScottish1943 - 45
N. C. MacraeScottish1945 - 52
J. A. T. BeattieScottish1952 - 57
Sir Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam Igbo1957 - 60
B. E. OkonEfik1960 - 74

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

The Anaang are an ethnic group in southern Nigeria, whose land is primarily within 8 of the present 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State: Abak, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun in Akwa Ibom State. The Anaang are the second largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary Slessor</span> Scottish Presbyterian missionary (1848–1915)

Mary Mitchell Slessor was a Scottish Presbyterian missionary to Nigeria. Once in Nigeria, Slessor learned Efik, one of the numerous local languages, then began teaching. Because of her understanding of the native language and her bold personality Slessor gained the trust and acceptance of the locals and was able to spread Christianity while promoting women's rights and protecting native children. She is most famous for having stopped the common practice of infanticide of twins in Okoyong, an area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calabar</span> Capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria

Calabar is the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria. It was originally named Akwa Akpa, in the Efik language. The city is adjacent to the Calabar and Great Kwa rivers and creeks of the Cross River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Region, Nigeria</span> Former subdivision within Nigeria

The Eastern Region was an administrative region in Nigeria, dating back originally from the division of the colony Southern Nigeria in 1954. Its first capital was Calabar. The capital was later moved to Enugu and the second capital was Umuahia. The region was officially divided in 1967 into three new states, the East-Central State, Rivers State and South-Eastern State. East-Central State had its capital at Enugu, which is now part of Enugu State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Efik people</span> Ethnic group in West Africa

The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. Within Nigeria, the Efik can be found in the present-day Cross River State and Akwa Ibom state. The Efik speak the Efik language which is a member of the Benue–Congo subfamily of the Niger-Congo language group. The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Laws</span>

Robert Laws FRGS FRSGS (1851–1934) was a Scottish missionary who headed the Livingstonia mission in the Nyasaland Protectorate for more than 50 years. The mission played a crucial role in educating Africans during the colonial era. It emphasized skills with which the pupils could become self-sufficient in trade, agriculture or industry as opposed to working as subordinates to European settlers. Laws supported the aspirations of political leaders such as Simon Muhango and Levi Zililo Mumba, both educated at Livingstonia schools.

The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria is a Presbyterian church in the Nigeria and subscribes to the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Akanu Ibiam, was a distinguished medical missionary who was appointed Governor of Eastern Region, Nigeria from December 1960 until January 1966 during the Nigerian First Republic. From 1919 to 1951, he was known as Francis Ibiam, and from 1951 to 1967, Sir Francis Ibiam. After this time, he dropped his title and his forename and was known as simply Akanu Ibiam although the honours he reportedly returned were not annulled by the British government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duke Town</span> City state in southern Nigeria

Duke Town, originally known as Atakpa is an Efik city-state that flourished in the 19th century in what is now southern Nigeria. The City State extended from now Calabar to Bakassi in the east and Oron to the west. Although it is now absorbed into Nigeria, traditional rulers of the state are still recognized. The state occupied what is now the modern city of Calabar.

Efik is the indigenous language of the Efik people, who are situated in the present-day Cross River state and Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria, as well as in the North-West of Cameroon. The Efik language is mutually intelligible with other lower Cross River languages such as Ibibio, Annang, Oro and Ekid but the degree of intelligibility in the case of Oro and Ekid is unidirectional; in other words, speakers of these languages speak and understand Efik but not vice versa. The Efik vocabulary has been enriched and influenced by external contact with the British, Portuguese and other surrounding communities such as Balondo, Oron, Efut, Okoyong, Efiat and Ekoi (Qua).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eyo Honesty II</span> Obong of Creek Town

Eyo Honesty II was the ruler of Creek Town from 1835 until his death on 3 December 1858. Creek Town was part of the Efik city-states of the Old Calabar province in the Bight of Biafra. Eyo was born into the family of Eyo Nsa and Inyang Esien Ekpe. His father Eyo Nsa, alias Willy Eyo Honesty or Eyo Willy Honesty, was one of the prominent figures of the 18th century in Efik maritime history. His mother, Princess Inyang Esien Ekpe, was the daughter of Esien Ekpe Oku.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asi Archibong-Arikpo</span> Nigerian midwife and designer (1919–2005)

Asi Archibong-Arikpo was a Nigerian midwife, politician, and fashion designer.

Reverend Hope Masterton Waddell was an Irish medical missionary in Jamaica and Calabar, Nigeria. The Hope Waddell Training Institution is named after him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexander Ross (missionary)</span> Scottish missionary and explorer

Alexander Ross was a Scottish missionary with the United Presbyterian Church (Scotland) in Duke Town, Old Calabar, West Africa along with other notable missionaries including William Anderson, Hugh Goldie, and Mary Slessor. Making two separate expeditions in 1877 and 1878, Ross was the first white man to venture south of Old Calabar to the palm-oil town of Odobo. He discovered the Falls of Komè on the River Meme and recorded details of the places, customs and languages of Efut. In 1881 the Mission was torn apart by a schism between Ross and Anderson that was to be a crucial link in the chain of events which led to the annexation by Britain of the territory from Calabar to the Niger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Archibong I</span> Obong of Calabar

Archibong I also known as Archibong Duke was the Obong of Calabar from 28 May 1849 to 4 February 1852. Born as Efio-Okoho, he was named after his Great Grandfather Efiom Okoho. His father was Asibong Ekpo and his mother was Obuma. Archibong is the anglicised form of the name Asibong.

Eyamba V popularly known as Johnny Young by his Liverpool friends and known to the Efik people as Eyamba V, was the Obong of Old Calabar and the fifth Iyamba of Ekpe Efik Iboku. His father was Ekpenyong Offiong Okoho also known as Eyamba III. His mother was Edim Ekpenyong Ekpe Oku, a daughter of Ekpenyong Ekpe Oku also known as Eyamba II.

The Efik religion is based on the traditional beliefs of the Efik people of southern Nigeria. The traditional religious beliefs of the Efik are not systemised into a logical orthodoxy but consists of diverse conceptions such as worship of the supreme God, ancestral veneration, cleansing rituals and funeral rites.

Efik literature is literature spoken or written in the Efik language, particularly by Efik people or speakers of the Efik language. Traditional Efik literature can be classified as follows; Ase, Uto, Mbụk, Ñke and Ikwọ. Other aspects of Efik literature include prose and drama (Mbre).

Nyong Essien Akpan Efio-Iwat Effembe Ebit Akpan Amaide Oku, traditional ruler, teacher, retired civil servant; Born on November 9, 1872 died 15 October 1976. He was 1st representative of Old Calabar Province in the Legislative Council in Lagos. 1st President of Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Eastern Region, Nigeria. 1st installed President of Ibibio Union. 1st officially recognized Paramount Ruler of Uyo and 1st Nsom of Uruan. Chief Nyong Essien, was one of the pillars of Nigerian nationalism. He sat with the best at the table on which Nigeria's independence was being negotiated at home and abroad. In other words, the flamboyant chief was one of the prime architects of Nigeria's independence. Chief Nyong Essien in his own right has a unique place in the annals of Nigerian statesmen. He was fearless, vocal, persistent, broad minded and nationalistic in his approach. He intellectually fought for the enhancement of the traditional institutions of his people. Above all the high positions he occupied, Chief Nyong Essien abhorred corruption and refused to use his lofty and enviable positions he was privileged to hold, to acquire wealth as many would do.

Harry Hastings was a Presbyterian Scottish physician, surgeon, and medical missionary with the United Free Church of Scotland who served in Nigeria from 1922-1949. Hastings worked primarily at the Uburu Hospital but also in the village of Itu, both in Ogoja Province in Nigeria. Hastings was assisted by his wife, described as a "practical nurse," who accompanied him on his missions to Africa from 1922-1949 and shared responsibility with him in developing clinics to treat leprosy. He also worked with fellow physicians R.M. Macdonald of Scotland and Akanu Ibiam of Nigeria during his time in Uburu. He is known as uniquely developing Nigerian staff to run health services without additional foreign missionaries.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Archibong 2005.
  2. 1 2 3 Taylor 1996, pp. 127–128.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Taylor 1996, pp. 137–138.
  4. Afigbo 2005, pp. 619.
  5. 1 2 Taylor 1996, pp. 139.
  6. Akpabio 2011, pp. 142.
  7. Taylor 1996, pp. 110.
  8. Alegi 2010, pp. 16.
  9. Tucker 2010.
  10. Taylor 1996, pp. 140.
  11. Taylor 1996, pp. 265.
  12. Ainslie, Hoskyns & Segal 1961, pp. 226.
  13. Anderson 1998.

Sources

Further reading