Mrs Clementine Isong
Mrs Nne Clementine Isong has always been interested in contributing to the development of women and children in Nigeria. She began her early career as a teacher at the Etinan Institute in the then Eastern Region. Many of the students whom she taught have gone on to become medical doctors, scientists, politicians and high-ranking government officials.
Mrs. Isong got married in 1958 to Chief (Dr.) Clement Isong, the late former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and erstwhile governor of the old Cross River State. She left her teaching career to pursue her higher education studies, obtaining bachelor and master’s degrees in Nutritional Biochemistry. Nne was able to put this training to good use. As a research manager at the UAC of Nigeria from 1970-80, she contributed to the development of protein supplement foods for protein-deprived children in Nigeria. A member of the International Women’s Society, she volunteered at the Pacelli School for the Blind.
Mrs. Isong left the private sector to accompany her husband to Cross River State and return to her roots education. From 1980 to 1996, she worked as an educationist in the Cross River/Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education, retiring as Director General (Permanent Secretary) in 1996. During this period, she contributed to the development of education in the two states. Initially, she headed the Universal Primary Education Board but she later managed that of Secondary Education. When the then Minister of Education, Professor Jubril Aminu visited Cross River State, he appreciated how Primary Education was managed centrally by the state government, a model that was headed by Mrs. Isong. Aminu had to introduce this concept at the Federal Government level.
Mrs. Isong was nominated as one of the five- member committee which developed the Primary School Management Board. She also served as a Council Member of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), contributing to the smooth management of the council. Her performance was so exemplary that she was elected to and served on the International Governing Council of WAEC, serving on the council for 8 years. Nne Isong has been recognized for her work as an educator. In 1995, she received the GRESA certificate of excellence as a children’s education leader. She was elected to the International Educators Hall of Fame as the Niger Delta honouree in 2000.
Mrs. Clementine Isong used her retirement from the Ministry of Education in 1966 as an opportunity to fulfill her dream of providing quality education to children. She started NESON Primary School, a school that provides quality education to an impoverished community in Akwa Ibom State. Its students have won several competitions including a sate essay competition on HIV/AIDS as well as art and music competitions. In 2006, NESON Secondary School came on board as well, providing continuity for excellence at little or no cost.
Nne Isong has always been committed to uplifting women in the Nigerian Society. In 1980, she initiated a women association, the Esop Ufon Iban in Cross River State. This association helped the development of women and children in the state and became a forerunner of Maryam Babangida’s Better Life Programme. Even now, Nne’s commitment to women is evident through the work of her NGO called NESON Care. The organization works with women, the underprivileged and the handicapped in partnership with the UNDP and World Bank. NESON Care has provided brailles for the blind and wheelchairs for the lame. It has also been involved in educational awareness campaigns for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, teaching women and children in rural communities how to protect themselves from the disease. In recognition of her contribution to the development of education and women in Nigeria, she was honoured in 2008 with a National Award in the category of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON. The National Council of Women’s Societies in Nigeria, also honoured her with an Excellence Award in 2008.
Mrs. Nne Isong was named Adiaha Akwa Ibom by Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs in 2001, and Obonganwan Awa by the Awa Clan Council of Chiefs in 2002.It was in recognition of her contribution to national development in the sphere of education that Mrs. Nne Clementine Isong was deemed worthy and conferred with the PSR Development in Nigeria Merit Award in the year 2011.