Following Governor Umo Eno’s directive to investigate a viral video showing students at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom LGA, being poorly fed, residents of Akwa Ibom State have called for an expanded probe.
The video, which showed students eating garri with what appeared to be colored water as soup, sparked outrage, especially since boarding fees were paid.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, paid an unannounced visit to the school, suspended the principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, and launched a comprehensive review of boarding facilities in all 25 public boarding schools in the state.
The review will cover hostels, dining halls, menus, kitchens, and sanitary conditions, overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
However, concerned residents have raised doubts about the integrity of the education board, urging the governor to investigate its operations and appointments. Critics claim similar issues persist across public boarding schools in the state, alleging systemic corruption within the board.
Public Affairs Analyst Emem Nkereuwem questioned why the commissioner had not instituted routine inspections of public schools earlier, while others pointed out allegations of principals paying bribes for appointments and continued “contributions” to board members.
Journalist Etim Etim revealed that some principals allegedly pay between N1.3 million and N1.5 million to secure their positions, leading them to impose unauthorized levies or mismanage school funds to recover their investments.
He argued that the N60,000 boarding fee per student is insufficient, leaving each meal costing around N200, comparable to prison rations.
Professor Des Wilson of the University of Uyo called for a review of appointment processes for school administrators, while another journalist, Etorobong Inyang, criticized the lack of action on recommendations from an earlier education summit.
Meanwhile, insiders alleged that monitoring visits by board members are often compromised, with principals bribing officials instead of undergoing proper inspections.
Residents are urging the state government to prioritize competency in appointments, intensify monitoring efforts, and take decisive action to address the deep-seated issues in the education system.
Leave a Reply