THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHIEF (DR) ASUQUO JAMES OKONO (1946-2016) "FORMER MINISTER FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA"

"You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose and to do it courageously"-Steve Maraboli

The day, September 11, (9/11) 1946 was a very joyous and excellently remarkable day in the Royal Family of a frontline community leader and palm produce merchant, Chief James Okono of Ekpuk Nung Antia,Ibakang Nsit, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. It was the day his adorable wife Madam Maddy (aka"Mmama Idem") of Ikot Essien Nsit, brought forth the third son of the family.The little bundle of joy, was named Asuquo .He was the third child in a family of twenty (20), seventeen (17) males and three(3) females.

Given the zeal of his father to have his children acquire western education which eluded him, the young and rudy Asuquo was enrolled as a pupil at Qua Iboe Church Group School, Ikot Ekpot, Nsit Atai between 1953-1959 where he acquired his first School leaving Certificate (FSLC). He thereafter proceeded to Qua Iboe Mission Secondary School, Etinan between 1960-1966 where he obtained his wet African School Certificate and Advanced G.C.E/Higher School Certificate.

Dr. Asuquo James Okono's scholarly nature propelled him to travel to the United States of American in 1969 to further is education. While in the US, he enrolled at the Newark College of Engineering, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A and graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E)  in 1973 from the same institution. His quest for excellence spurred him to enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksbury,VA, USA in 1975 for a Doctorate Degree. In 1978, Asuquo James was awarded the prestigious title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) of that institution.