Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State
By Akeem Atoyebi
The Akwa Ibom State government has launched an investigation into the state of boarding facilities in public schools following a viral video showing students of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom, eating substandard meals.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, in Uyo.
The commissioner revealed that she conducted an unscheduled visit to the school after the video surfaced online, sparking outrage over the poor quality of meals provided to students.
She announced the immediate suspension of the school’s principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school,” she said.
“I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state. This review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.”
Etiebet stressed that while the state’s free education policy covered tuition fees but not boarding expenses, the welfare and dignity of students in public schools remained a top priority for Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
She added, “We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raising the standard of education and ensuring public school facilities meet acceptable standards.
“The government is determined to ensure that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff,” she said.
She also appealed for patience from the public as the investigation unfolds, adding that the administration remained committed to delivering quality education under the ARISE Agenda.
