The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, the principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, in the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Concerns over irregularities in the feeding of boarding students prompted the suspension.
This action followed the circulation of a troubling video on social media showing students being served inadequate and unappetising meals.
Mrs. Etiebet states, “I paid an unscheduled visit to the school, and 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.”
She further explained that the investigation will examine various aspects of boarding facilities, including hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary conditions.
This process will be jointly supervised by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
The Commissioner emphasised that although the state government’s free education policy covers tuition fees but not boarding costs, the welfare and dignity of students in public schools remain a top priority under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno.
“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 public secondary schools,” she stated.
Mrs. Etiebet reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that public school facilities meet minimum standards that safeguard the well-being of both students and staff.
She also urged the public to remain patient while the investigation is underway, adding, “The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, remains unwavering in his commitment to education, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.”
