In the heartbeat of tradition, Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo opened its arms to its offspring during the auspicious occasion of our recent homecoming weekend. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on familiar faces and cherished memories, our alma mater was transformed into a nostalgic haven where time seemed to stand still, allowing us to revel in our collective stories etched within the four walls of this illustrious institution. The pulse of the homecoming weekend was charged with spirited competition, where former rivals across different sets became allies in pursuit of victory. From athletic fields to intellectual arenas, the homecoming weekend was a living testament to the enduring and persevering spirit that defines Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo. Amidst the vibrant festivities, the laughter was heavily intertwined with whispers of tales of yesteryears, creating a mosaic of sentiments that only those connected by the same academic lineage could fully comprehend. Most importantly, there emerged a quiet symphony of gratitude to our educators and mentors who sculpted the minds of the alumni. To witness the interplay of wisdom passed down through the ages, creating a continuum of knowledge and inspiration, was to witness the very essence of an institution coming full circle.
Before the homecoming festivities, the alumni executive council, under the commendable leadership of our former alumni president and current alumni chancellor – Phillip Kaite, approached the school to put plans in place for the homecoming weekend. The dates were approved, the activities were organized and a homecoming committee was commissioned to ensure the success of the event. In the build-up to the alumni homecoming weekend, newly-elected president Ubong Ankoh and newly-elected director of organisation Ofonime Ukpe were regular faces at our alma mater, carrying out standard evaluation and revamping of the school’s athletic facilities that eventually catered for the sporting competitions that were hosted during the alumni weekend. All hands were on deck to deliver a memorable homecoming weekend which showcased the heart and soul of a very-spirited AFCS community.
The alumni weekend was kickstarted on Friday 1st December, 2023 with free medical tests which were carried out by medical personnel in the alumni family. This lasted for about an hour after which the current students were entreated to an impactful career talk experience. Accomplished individuals from various fields among the school’s alumni shared their professional journeys and provided insights into the diverse careers and pathways that lead to success. The sessions provided a kaleidoscopic view of different professional landscapes and gave the students an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with seasoned professionals, inspiring them to dream big and set ambitious goals. The palpable energy in the air was driven by the enthusiasm of the students as they absorbed the wisdom imparted by professionals who were happy to serve as a window into the world of work and as a bridge that connected classroom learning to real-world applications. The career talk was immediately followed by a shared lunch between the alumni, teachers and soldiers of our beloved institution. It was not just lunch as usual as the alumni present seized the moment to express their heartfelt gratitude to their teachers for the guidance that shaped them.
their formative years, while the teachers marvelled at the accomplishments of those they had once mentored. The shared lunch was a poignant reminder that the ties woven during one’s educational journey endure, evolving into a beautiful narrative that unfolds with each passing reunion. We called it a day after lunch and dispersed to reconvene on Saturday.
Saturday, 2nd December 2023 was earmarked for the athletic and sporting events with the resounding thunderous cheers from competitive spirits echoing across the hallowed sports grounds of AFCS, Uyo. The day kicked off in earnest with health talks from qualified alumni medical personnel. This was immediately followed by a light breakfast among the alumni before the games began. A combination of students and soldiers battled against the alumni in various sports and games for over three hours. Each sprint, each bounce and each strategic play was met with resounding applause from the sidelines which created a living mural of the resilience and sportsmanship that defines the legacy of the Airforce. The alumni competed against the students and staff in volleyball, basketball, handball, table tennis and board games, coming out successful in every one of these sports and games. By 2 PM WAT, all parties retired for a lunch break after which the alumni association held its general elections to appoint new executive council members into positions of service. The final list of elected excos include:
1. Ubong Ankoh – President
2. Sifon Ekanem – Vice President
3. Victoria Udoh – Secretary General
4. Akwamfon-President Uko – Assistant Secretary General
5. Joy Akpan – Financial Secretary
6. Enwongo Gabriel – Treasurer
7. Disemfon Akpan – P.R.O.
8. Abasiakara Peter – Assistant P.R.O.
9. Anietie – Legal Adviser
10. Ofonime Ukpe – Director of Organisation
11. Phillip Kaite – Chancellor
By 4 PM WAT, everybody moved to the football pitch to witness the maiden sporting event which was the football match between the alumni and the school. This was a thrilling clash of generations as the alumni donned jerseys once more, embracing the challenge with the same fervour that defined their student days. The air crackled with anticipation as the kick-off marked not just the beginning of a football game but a symbolic kick-off to a journey back in time. The game ended 2-0 in favour of the alumni team who showcased a seamless blend of skill, proving that the passion for the game endures long after the final passing-out parade. The final scores in other games include:
VOLLEYBALL: Alumni 3 vs 0 Soldiers/Staff
HANDBALL: Alumni 4 vs 0 Soldiers/Staff/Students
FOOTBALL: Alumni 2 vs 0 Soldiers/Staff/Students
After an exhilarating soccer experience, the alumni dispersed to reconvene by 9 PM at Insomnia Lounge, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. The music, food and drinks set the tone for a memorable evening as ex-students across all sets partied, reconnected and exchanged memories through the night. Former classmates, seniors and juniors celebrated the journey from textbooks to life adventures, illuminating the night with the glow of friendship and reminiscence.
On Sunday, 3rd December 2023, all roads led to the Airforce Comprehensive School Chapel, Uyo for the alumni homecoming service to cap a weekend of memorable activities. The sacred sanctuary echoed with whispered conversations and hushed voices as alumni and cherished educators exchanged pleasantries to the gleeful delight of the students who were overjoyed to share the service with familiar faces. The pulpit became a podium for shared reflections, with set representatives from every graduated set taking turns to express gratitude for the lessons learnt within these sacred walls. The service unfolded as a spiritual reunion of hearts as everybody sang along to the familiar tunes and melodies produced by a talented music team under the competent leadership of Mr Joseph Suberu, a well-loved tutor and father to many past and present members of our beloved school. As the final notes of the closing hymn resounded through the hall, the church stood as a testament to the enduring spirit that unites the Airforce community, a beacon that guides each graduate on their unique life journey. After the service, photographs were taken, contacts were exchanged and promises were made to keep in touch. The homecoming weekend stood not only as a celebration of our collective history but as a promise – a promise that no matter where life takes us, the spirit of our alma matter remains an indelible part of who we are and who we strive to become. May the embers of nostalgia kindled during this weekend continue to glow warmly in the hearts of each alumnus. Until we reconvene again, may the spirit of Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo accompany us on our respective journeys, weaving our stories into the rich fabric of the legacy we share. Here’s to the past, present and future – a toast to the enduring spirit of our beloved alma matter.