By Osondu Ahirika
As promised, I have returned to my whistle-blowing duty.
Sahara Reporters love talebearers and trust me, I can gossip for Africa.
In this edition, I want to leak secrets of the Education system in Akwa Ibom.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Governor Umo Eno rolled out the drums.
To acknowledge the return from Singapore.
Of the victorious delegation, all of them hail from Akwa Ibom State.
They represented Nigeria at the just-concluded Bilateral International School Debate in Singapore.
I chose to now call them, ‘The Famous Five’, (apologies to Enid Blyton).
Their names?
-Aniebiet-Abasi Enobong Etukudo
-Emmanuel Godfrey Wiafe
-Victory Mfonobong Daniel
-Favour Daniel Paul
-Marvelous Nkereuwem James
Their respective Schools are listed in the same order?
*Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket,
*Community Secondary School, Aka Offot,
*Nigerian Christian Institute,
*Christian Secondary Commercial School, Uyo
* Tevees International Secondary School, Uyo.
A healthy combo of 3 public, and two private schools.
The delegates were supervised by: Dr Glory Ekpo, a Director in the Ministry of Education, an Education Consultant, Dr Eka Elijah Maples from Mobil Pegasus School as Observer and Mrs Grace Godwin Edinyang of Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket as Debate Coach.
They went. They saw. They conquered the world.
And brought glory to Nigeria.
I trust SR is also aware, that the Akwa Ibom State Government recently sponsored 39 Secondary School students.
To undertake an educational exchange programme in London, United Kingdom.
Three students were chosen from each of the 31 Local Government areas in rural community schools sans favouritism.
This educational trip was intentionally executed to broaden the student’s knowledge and exposure to modern trends.
Ours is a country where 1 in 3 children are out of school.
Yet, all these feats in education are being accomplished by a sub-unit.
One can appreciate that Akwa Ibom State is a beacon of redemptive hope to salvage child literacy.
The Governor Umo Eno-led administration fully bankrolled the student’s international outings.
An audacious proof of the administration’s commitment to educational advancement.
A thematic area in Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda.
This victory is a sweet verification of advancement in the education sector.
SR should therefore be told a few more things.
I want to tell SR that Governor Umo Eno has sustained free and compulsory education at the Primary and Secondary School levels in Akwa Ibom State.
We ought to expose Governor Umo Eno for the ongoing construction of model Primary Schools across the three Senatorial Districts.
Let SR be told that the first of these model Primary Schools, the Christ the King School, (CKS) on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo has since been inaugurated.
SR would love to know that the Akwa Ibom State Government supports pupils with school uniforms, shoes and school bags.
They should tell SR that the Akwa Ibom State Government underwrites the West African Examination Certificate, WAEC, fees, of all eligible indigent students.
Tell SR that verified students in tertiary institutions are receiving bursaries.
Shouldn’t we tell SR that Governor Umo Eno has instituted a 100 Million Naira Intervention Fund for students with disabilities?
I will be back to tell SR more.
Still typing… Part 5.
