How Edoma Iyawot Academy began
A story that started long before the school had a name, carried from one generation to the next.
From a Calling to a School: Miss Aniekeme’s Story
In July 2017, Miss Aniekeme Reuben, an indigene of Afaha Abia and the last child of Chief Essien Reuben Essien, came across a neglected property in the community. She felt a strong calling to transform the abandoned place into a school as a way of serving and uplifting her community. Although she had no money, no desks, and no clear resources to begin, she decided to take the first step.
With her father’s encouragement, the support of friends and community members, and remarkable determination, she began preparing the site. She repaired five broken desks, went from church to church and house to house telling people about the school, and continued despite mockery, financial difficulties, and numerous setbacks.
On 17 September 2017, Model Foundation Academy opened with 18 pupils and six teachers. The years that followed were extremely challenging. There were financial struggles, loans, the loss of teachers and school equipment, opposition, and periods when the children had very little to learn with. At one point, Miss Aniekeme taught the entire school herself for a year.
Yet, she refused to give up, driven by her determination to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and in her community.
Through faith, perseverance, and the support of teachers, parents, and the community, the school eventually grew to more than 100 pupils and later expanded into secondary education.
I Came Home and Found My Purpose: Mr Ernest Iyawot’s Story
I went home to remember my parents. I never expected to find my purpose there.
After many years away, I returned to Afaha Abia in 2025. I was carrying memories of my late parents and the emotions that came with returning home. But when I finally entered the school operating in my father's former palace, I saw something I could not ignore.
Children were learning under difficult conditions. Some were sitting on floors and sharing limited benches, while the proprietress continued tirelessly to give them an education. I saw children who deserved better.
As I watched her dedication, I thought of my late mother, Deaconess Edo Iyawot, who devoted herself to children and education. At that moment, my return to Afaha Abia began to feel like more than a visit. It felt like a calling.
Together with my brother and our team, we began a new chapter that would lead to Edoma Iyawot Academy, a vision for a safe, modern and technology-focused school where every child is given the opportunity to discover their strengths, develop their abilities and prepare for the future.
We believe education is not only about asking, “How well is this child performing?” It is also about asking, “Who is this child, what are their strengths, and what can they become?”
I came home to honor the memory of my parents.
I found a responsibility to help build the future.
Now, our purpose is to help every child discover theirs.
In 2026, a new chapter began as Model Foundation Academy transitioned into Edoma Iyawot Academy. The vision is now to create a safe, modern and technology-focused learning environment where every child’s abilities and potential are first recognized, nurtured and developed.
From five broken desks to a vision for the future, Miss Aniekeme’s journey is a story of faith, courage, perseverance and determination.
From humble beginnings to a brighter future, Edoma Iyawot Academy continues to believe:
“The Future Is in Our Hands.”
A Journey We Continue Together
