AKSG Orders Comprehensive Investigation Into State Of Boarding Facilities In Public Secondary Schools

By Solomon Umanah
UYO
The Akwa Ibom government has given directives for a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities at the Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and other boarding secondary schools across the state.
In a release endorsed by the commissioner for education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, and made available to The Pioneer, recently, the action followed the recent a video showing students of the Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, being served unpalatable food in a dehumanising manner.
The release pointed out that “despite the fact that the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.”
It directed a thorough review of the conditions of hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, as well as sanitary facilities in the affected school and other boarding secondary schools in the state.
The release further indicated that the investigative team will be jointly supervised by the permanent secretaries in the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB).
It also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the College, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The release appealed to the parents “who have already been relieved of the burden of tuition fees to fulfil basic parental responsibilities by supporting their children in secondary schools,” adding that, “the Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public-school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.”
It, therefore, urged the public to remain patient while investigation into the unfortunate occurrence continues, stressing that the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was unwavering in his commitment to education in the state, as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda of his administration.