By Ekemini James
Education is the cornerstone of societal progress, and Governor Umo Eno's administration recognizes its significance in shaping the future of Akwa Ibom State.
The ARISE Agenda, a blueprint of Governor Eno's administration, prioritizes education as a critical pillar, focused on repositioning the sector in view of making quality education accessible for all.
Since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, Governor Umo Eno has worked to holistically develop, sustain and improve the education sector. He has accorded tertiary institutions within the state special attention as all state-owned tertiary institutions remain top priority in the educational advancement policy of his administration.
So far, the State-owned Polytechnic, University, College of Education and Schools of Nursing have gained accreditation of more courses, in addition to massive infrastructural revolution and timely intervention.
The Governor has also granted waiver for fees required for certificate of occupancy to facilitate immediate take-off of Federal College of Education, Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area and also carried out other interventions to enhance the smooth take-off of the Federal University of Technology in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
Also, education remains free from primary to secondary levels and he has kept obligations in the payment of WAEC fees, subventions and other needs.
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.
He is also paying 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.
Aside the approval of 1.1 billion Naira one–time wardrobe allowance for teachers in the State,
Some of the Governor's efforts in the sector are:
♦️Construction of Model Primary Schools equipped with state-of-the-arts facilities.
♦️️Provision of subventions and other needs for schools.
♦️Distribution of free uniforms, bags, ARISE-branded exercise books and shoes to pupils.
♦️The UK Edutrip for public secondary school students, among other notable initiatives
The Governor is also planning to set up a model secondary school, with state-of-the-art boarding facilities, in each of the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
While making the announcement at the February 2025 edition of the Government House monthly Covenant Service, the Governor said he is constituting a delivery team to ensure timely implementation of the plan and intends to have strong Parents Teachers Association, and a special committee in place to ensure smooth operation of the schools.
According to the Governor, he said "We have several projects that must kick off and we must finish as we go into 2026 and begin to prepare for the elections. Principal among them that God has touched my heart to do is to construct a replica of what a boarding school used to be in this State in those days, and to adopt three secondary schools, one in each Senatorial District to really take them back. Let's build those boarding houses and put everything there and let's make sure those three secondary schools are up and running." He said.
All these notable initiatives will further enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning at all level of education in the State as the State has maintained her place in the top echelon in terms of educational performance in the country.
The Governor 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.