By Ekemini James
Education is not just human right but key to sustainable development. Education builds and sustain the development of individuals and society.
It renews and improves the economic, social, political and cultural aspects of any nation; upgrades the living standard of citizens and enable people to become better and more productive citizens.
Education changes the visions and perspectives of individuals, enhances critical decisions, improves democracy and serves as a bedrock of any flourishing society.
That is why educational advancement stands as a critical component of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno understands that no meaningful transformation can occur without a deliberate and strategic investment in human capital.
Through the ARISE Agenda, he has prioritized educational advancement as a foundational pillar for building a knowledgeable, innovative, and economically empowered state.
Governor Umo Eno has made worthwhile investments in the sector through a deliberate and forward-looking approach, he has been committed to developing the education system across all levels.
His policies reflect a deep understanding that the real wealth of any society lies not in its resources or infrastructure but in the quality of minds it cultivates.
At the foundational level, from construction of new model primary schools to upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure modern learning environments.
Governor Eno is implementing progressive educational policies across public primary and secondary schools, training teachers, and taking other measures to create an enabling environment for quality education.
Already, education remains free in primary and secondary schools, with full support for the payment of WAEC fees, school subventions, and the regular supply of essential materials.
In rural communities, students are now benefiting from the same level of educational access previously available only in urban areas. This intentional effort to close the rural-urban gap, ensures that every child, regardless of location or background, is given a fair chance to succeed.
Again, to ease the burden on parents and improve learning conditions, the government has distributed uniforms, school bags, ARISE-branded exercise books, and shoes to pupils across the state.
Teachers, too, have not been left behind. A one-time wardrobe allowance worth over one billion naira was approved for them.
In support of tertiary education, the Governor has increased bursary from 10,000 Naira to 20,000 Naira for undergraduates studying general courses and 10,000 Naira to 30,000 Naira for those studying professional courses such as Law, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, etc.
Additionally, he has paid 250,000 naira per undergraduate student living with disabilities and 300,000 naira for postgraduate students studying professional courses drawn from the 100 million naira educational grant he instituted for students living with disabilities.
To further enrich the learning environment, model secondary schools are being proposed for each of the three Senatorial Districts. These institutions will offer world-class boarding facilities and academic programs tailored to equip students for future leadership and innovation.
The state’s tertiary institutions; the Polytechnic, University, College of Education, and Schools of Nursing, have all received significant attention. Many academic programs have gained accreditation, while infrastructure and learning environments have been improved through timely government intervention.
Governor Eno’s support extends to federal institutions as well. He granted a waiver for the certificate of occupancy to fast-track the take-off of the Federal College of Education in Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, and has played a pivotal role in supporting the smooth kick-off of the Federal University of Technology in Ikot Abasi.
Also, notable initiatives such as the UK Edutrip, which gave public school students international exposure to compete globally, further shows the Governor’s forward-thinking commitment to educational advancement.
All these notable initiatives will further enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning at all levels of education in the State, as the State has maintained its place in the top echelon in terms of educational performance in the country.
Governor Umo Eno is laying a solid foundation for a brighter future; one that ensures that the sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and achieve their full potential.
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