UYO
No fewer than 150,000 cartons of educational materials have been presented to principals of secondary schools across the state by the Akwa Ibom government for distribution to their respective students.
The items were cartons of textbooks of various subjects, including English Language, Mathematics and Sciences,chalks and dusters to further enhance the free and compulsory education in secondary schools.
Presenting the items on behalf of the state government in a well attended stakeholders meeting, which took place at the open field at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex in Uyo recently, the commissioner for education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, charged the principals to effectively utilize the items for the purpose they were meant for.
Etiebet thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for according education a pride of place in his administration, saying, “Governor Emmanuel is doing everything within his capacity to reposition the sector in standard and sustainability.”
The education commissioner called on teachers, principals, parents and all stakeholders to support the state government’s vision by being alive to their responsibilities so as to reach the expected level of education in quality, functionality and greatness.
She also applauded principals and teachers for the phenomenal success recorded in the 2021 West Africa SeniorSecondary Examination (WASSCE), achieving 79 per cent of 80 per cent success target, encouraging them to work harder to attain 90 per cent success in 2022 as handed down by the state government.
Other issues deliberated upon were the enforcement of sanctions on principals and teachers violating rules and regulations; strict adherence to the policy prohibiting the use of schools facilities for socio-religious activities on week days; reactivation of Guidance and Counseling units in schools; sensitization of parents and guardians on monitoring of children and instilling good moral values, among others.
In a goodwill message, the chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Dr Ekaete Ebong Okon; Special assistant to the governor on Education Monitoring, Akparawa Udeme Udofia; President of ANCOPPS, Sir Steve Akpabio and the representative of State Universal Basic Education, Mr Idorenyin Essien, all commended Governor Emmanuel’s reformation efforts in the school system.
They particularly appreciated the sustenance of the free and compulsory education, ongoing infrastructural development in public schools, payment of subventions, payment of WAEC and NABTEB fees, recruitment of new sets of teachers to boost secondary schools system, provision of free textbooks,chalks, dusters and other instructional materials.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Lady Rose Bassey, while setting the tone for the event, called on stakeholders to participate actively in the meeting.
The event also featured recognition of outstanding principals who had distinguished themselves in service delivery and were nominated for the state governor’s award.
Also present were the permanent secretary, State Secondary Education Board, Barr. Asuquo Selong Edem; Special assistant on Education Monitoring, Dr Sarah Esitikot;Directors both in the Ministry, Zonal offices and Local Education Committee; Principals of secondary schools in the 31 local government areas, and other staff of the Ministry.
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