POLITICAL AWARENESS
Prof. M.B. Abasiattai developed a constructive interest in politics way back 1979. He contributed significantly to the socio-political development of AWA Clan as member, Awa Leaders of thought- a frontline Socio-political steering group. The group has been a strong foster of unity and conduct of peaceful elections in ONNA LGA. He was also member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State and Political leader for AWA ward II in ONNA LGA AKS.

BUSINESS
The late Prof Abasiattai invested heavily in books. This is attested to by his personal book collection and private library. He believed that knowledge and enlightenment create sound and healthy minds.
He established Cocoa and Oil Palm plantations in his homestead, Afaha Ikot Akpan Nkpe in ONNA AKS, which provide agricultural training, and employment to youths in the LGA.
It is also of note that Prof had since 2010 been a mentor of Blue Annex Gardens, a hospitality centre sited in Nwaniba AKS.

In December 1992, Late Prof Abasiattai was awarded the Honourary Chieftaincy Title of “Obong Ifiok Nwed Afaha Inang” – (Chief of Book Knowledge/Scholarship of Afaha Inang Community), ONNA LGA AKS.

In December 2003, late Prof Abasiattai was inducted into the “ESOP MKPISONG”- (Guild of Ibibio Elders) by the AKWA ESOP IMAISONG IBIBIO – the frontline Pan-Ibibio Socio-cultural association.

In October 2004, Late Prof Abasiattai was awarded Fellow, Historical Society of Nigeria and elected President Historical Association of Nigeria.

In September 2005, he received the Prestigious “Distinguished Professional” Award from The Bureau of Inter Religious International Federation For Peace.

In 2011, he was awarded the Chieftaincy Title of “Obong Ifiok Akwa Afaha”- (Colossus of Learning and Knowledge) Great Afaha – AKS

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Late Prof Abasiattai taught at the Salvation Army Secondary School, Akai – Eket AKS and the Regina Coeli Secondary School Essene AKS between 1960 and 1962. He later served as Assistant Secretary in the Federal Ministries of External Affairs and Transport/Trade 1963 -1969.

Prof’s University teaching career kicked off in 1969 with an appointment as Lecturer I in the University of Lagos. He was also Visiting Assistant Professor in Howard University Washington D.C from 1973 to 1975. On his return to Nigeria in 1975, he took up a teaching position in the University of Calabar rising to Professor of History by October 1987.

 While in the University of Calabar, he was Member Governing Council (1980 -1983) and Head of Department of History (1987 – 1992). 

Prof also had a stint as visiting Professor at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenesee, and Hampton University Virginia from 1992 to 1993, where he made an indelible impact in teaching African history to multicultural student groups including Americans of African descent. In 1993 he transferred his service to the University of Uyo where he held various positions including, Head-Department of History, Dean-Faculty of Arts (1994 – 1997) and Member Governing Council, retiring in 2006.  

After retirement, Prof out of his love for teaching and zeal to impart knowledge, took up a contract position as Professor of History in the University of Uyo up till the time of his passing on.

Prof, in the course of his career, authored several books and numerous publications in reputable National and International Journals.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In 1980, Late Prof Abasiattai was appointed Chairman Governing Council, College of Education, Uyo, by His Excellency Governor Clement Isong for a three year term. Prof led the school’s management team to successfully uplift the academic standard of the institution which later transformed into the University of Cross River State and eventually has become the University of Uyo.

In 1981 Late Prof Abasiattai was appointed Chairman, Cross River State Committee-International Year of Disabled Persons and received commendations from the Cross River State Executive council for his selfless service in this regard.

The late Prof Abasiattai has since 1980 served as Member, Awa Area Development Committee and ONNA Peace and Reconciliation Committee. In 1985, he was appointed Member, Eket Local Government Area Development Committee, and was elected National Vice President Afaha Inang Development Association, ONNA AKS in 1987.

In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, late Prof Abasiattai was in May 1994 re-appointed Chairman of the Governing Council College of Education Afaha Nsit by the then Military Administration of Col Y Bako.

In 1994, he Co-founded Bright Stars Model Secondary School, Uyo. A Co-educational institution which annually produces some of the best and brightest graduands in Akwa Ibom State.

Late Prof. Abasiattai was at the time of his passing-on, The Chairman, Governing Council and Board of Trustees, Bright Stars Model Secondary School, Uyo.

In 2007, Late Prof Abasiattai founded Bright Stars Nursery and Primary School Afaha Ikot Akpan Nkpe, an educational institution which has contributed greatly to educational development in ONNA LGA by providing highly affordable quality education for school age Children in Awa and neighbouring clans. 

Prof started his primary education at Afaha Group School, Ikot Idem Udo in 1945, and completed it at QIC Central School Mbioto II, in 1952, where he sat for his standard six examinations and passed in flying colours.

He kicked off his secondary education at the QIC Mission Secondary School, Etinan from 1953 – 1957 where he obtained the West African School Certificate (1st Division). In 1958, late Prof Abasiattai gained admission into The Hope Wadel Training Institute, Calabar, where he studied hard and obtained the Overseas Higher School Certificate of Cambridge University, England.

In 1960, he won the coveted Eastern Region Undergraduate Scholarship and proceeded to the University of Ibadan to study History, graduating June 1963 with B.A Hons 2nd Class Upper division.  In 1968, he was awarded a Federal Government Post Graduate Scholarship and with this studied to obtain a doctorate degree (Ph.D History) from the University of Ibadan.

Never weary of learning, Prof in June 1974, enrolled in the American University, Washington DC and within a year was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics.

Late Prof Abasiattai had as his main areas of specialization, The History of Liberia, African History and African Economic History.

The late Elder (Prof) Monday Benson Abasiattai was born on the 12th of March 1939 into the family of Late Chief Benson Akpan of Nung Uko Inyang and Late Madam Alice Benson Akpan of Nung Ata Adua, both of Ikot Akpan Nkpe, ONNA Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He was the third child, eldest son of his parents and grew up in a large extended family.