Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism and theft of school facilities in some communities across the state. He urged community leaders to take ownership of investments sited in their areas.
This was even as he injected ₦5.9 billion into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for 2025 and 2026 intervention projects.
Briefing the press in Uyo on Wednesday, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, Ph.D., said the funds would ensure a shift from partial renovations to a more comprehensive intervention approach.
His words: “Intervention will no longer be piecemeal. When we go to a school, we will handle it holistically, classrooms, water, toilets, electricity and provide everything required to make the environment suitable for learning.
“However, government cannot continue to commit huge resources only for facilities to be vandalised. Communities must take responsibility to protect what is provided for them.”
The chairman also hinted at ongoing efforts by the board to improve teaching standards and create a more conducive learning environment for pupils across public primary and junior secondary schools.
He further hinted at the planned rollout of a new curriculum for primary schools, describing it as a long-overdue development that will significantly enhance the quality of education in the state.
Addressing the issue of manpower, the SUBEB Chairman disclosed that the state government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers to tackle the shortage currently affecting schools, noting that priority will be given to ICT and computer science graduates in order to strengthen digital education.
He also highlighted disputes between communities and school authorities over school lands, noting that such conflicts are negatively affecting school administration and student enrolment.
He urged community leaders and School Management Committees to support, rather than hinder, the smooth operation of schools.
While appreciating the state government’s commitment to education, the education administrator stressed that strong foundational learning remains critical to overall development.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Nsibiet John, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising education, particularly the approval for teacher recruitment.
He further called for strengthened Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and urged SUBEB to extend intervention efforts to schools facing infrastructure challenges, including QIC Primary School in Eket Local Government Area.
