“Outrage in Akwa Ibom: Journalists, Activists, and Residents Demand Comprehensive Investigation Into Public School Rot”
The viral video of students at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, being served garri and a watery soup devoid of condiments has sparked widespread outrage among journalists, activists, and residents. Following Governor Umo Eno’s directive to investigate the incident, calls are mounting for a broader probe into the systemic failures plaguing the state’s educational sector, particularly the State Secondary and Technical Education Board.
A Catalyst for Action
The disturbing footage, shared by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, showcased the appalling state of the school’s feeding program despite parents paying a boarding fee of N60,000 per student. This revelation led to swift action by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, who visited the school unannounced, suspended the principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, and promised a comprehensive review of boarding facilities across the state.
However, many believe these actions are mere band-aids on a festering wound.
“The Rot Runs Deep” – Activists and Analysts Speak Out
Residents and stakeholders argue that the crisis at Presbyterian Senior Science College is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a deeper rot within the educational system. Public affairs analyst Emem Nkereuwem expressed disappointment at the Commissioner’s reactive approach:
> “It’s disheartening that a commissioner had to be pressured into visiting a public school. This neglect is systemic. We need proactive leadership, not reactive firefighting.”
Nkereuwem’s sentiments were echoed by John, a concerned resident, who lamented the failure of the education ministry to address multiple complaints about deteriorating conditions in public schools:
> “Must we wait for a viral video before action is taken? The system is broken, and appointments should be based on competence, not political affiliations.”
Corruption Allegations Against the Education Board
The State Secondary and Technical Education Board has come under intense scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and malpractice surfacing. Professor Des Wilson from the University of Uyo highlighted a disturbing practice where teachers sublet their jobs to unqualified individuals for a fraction of their salaries, compromising educational quality.
Veteran journalist Etim Etim provided further insight into the corruption within the board:
> “Prospective principals reportedly pay between N1.3 million and N1.5 million to secure their positions. Once appointed, they must continually ‘contribute’ to board members. This forces them to impose unauthorized levies and mismanage funds meant for student welfare.”
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Etim questioned the involvement of the same board members in overseeing the investigation, suggesting that their complicity in the system disqualifies them from conducting an impartial review.
“Prisoner’s Ration” – The Economics of Neglect
The financial breakdown provided by Etim paints a grim picture of the feeding program.
> “With each student paying N60,000 for boarding, it translates to less than N700 per day for meals. That’s approximately N200 per meal—a budget barely sufficient for a prisoner’s ration in Nigerian prisons.”
He urged Governor Eno to re-evaluate the personnel within the education ministry and the board, emphasizing the need for integrity and competence in handling sensitive educational matters.
Unfulfilled Promises: Legacy of Neglect
Another journalist, Etorobong Inyang, criticized the government for failing to implement recommendations from a previous Education Summit organized under former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
> “What became of the summit’s recommendations? Instead of holistic reforms, we got cosmetic projects like roadside fencing—empty gestures with no real impact on learning outcomes.”
Inyang highlighted the dire conditions at Community Secondary School Onor in Ibiono, a microcosm of the state’s failing public education infrastructure.
Monitoring or Mockery?
Despite claims of routine inspections by board members, insiders allege that these visits are mere formalities. A teacher who chose to remain anonymous revealed:
> “When board officials visit, the principal collects money from staff to entertain them. They rarely inspect facilities. Instead, they leave with envelopes, compromising the integrity of their oversight.”
This revelation has fueled skepticism about the board’s capacity to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation.
A Call for Reform
Journalists, activists, and concerned residents are unanimous in their call for Governor Eno to take decisive action. They demand:
1. An Independent Investigative Panel: Free from the influence of the State Secondary and Technical Education Board, this panel should conduct a transparent and comprehensive review of public school management.
2. Prosecution of Corrupt Officials: Any board member or school administrator found guilty of corruption should face legal consequences.
3. Implementation of Reforms: Recommendations from past education summits should be revisited and implemented to revamp the state’s educational system.
4. Increased Funding: Boarding fees should reflect the current cost of living, ensuring students receive adequate nutrition and care.
Conclusion
The viral video from Presbyterian Senior Science College has shed light on the systemic neglect and corruption within Akwa Ibom’s education sector. As pressure mounts, the state government faces a critical test: Will it merely address the symptoms or confront the root causes of this crisis?
For now, the eyes of Akwa Ibom’s journalists, activists, and residents remain fixed on Governor Umo Eno, awaiting meaningful action to restore dignity and quality to public education in the state.
