The Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated a 15-member committee with a charge to investigate the conditions of boarding facilities in public secondary and technical schools in the State within three weeks.
The committee has a retired permanent secretary in the State Civil Service, Mr. Ekanabasi Ubong as Chairman.
Inaugurating the committee, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, thanked the committee for accepting the responsibility bestowed on them and urged them to be honest and forthright in their report.
“Pastor Eno, who is very passionate in driving his vision in the education sector, will ensure that your recommendations are implemented”, she said.
She charged the committee among other things, “to conduct a thorough investigation into the conditions of boarding facilities in secondary schools across the state.
“To identify areas of concern, deficiencies, and potential risks to the health, safety, and well-being of students.”
Commissioner Etiebet who was flanked by the Chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, further sued the committee to propose an action plan for implementing the recommendations, including timelines and responsibilities.
Warning on the seriousness of the investigation, Mrs Etiebet said the committee’s duty will also involve assessment of “Infrastructure and maintenance of buildings, dormitories, and other facilities, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management practices as well as availability and quality of food, water, and other essential services.”
She urged the committee to engage with stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and school administrators, to gather information and insights.
Chairman of the committee, Mr. Ekanabasi Ubong, assured the state government of their willingness and readiness to carry out the responsibility charged on them.
“Looking at the members of this committee, I have the confidence that we will not only deliver on the mandate but we will also present a report by the end of the day, hoping and believing its implementation” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Stella Etukakpan, who was visibly excited while giving her vote of thanks, appreciated the Governor for his passion towards the educational welfare of students in secondary and public technical schools and for his timely intervention that led to the inauguration of the committee.
“I know that every member of this committee will bring in their A-game to carry out the task placed on their shoulders amicably” she said.
Other members of the committee include, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education); Mr. Okon Effiong Tom (Permanent Secretary, State Secondary Education Board); Mrs. Roseline A. Mfon (Permanent Secretary, State Universal Basic Education Board); Dr Atim Okoko, Permanent Secretary, State Technicals School Board, Dr. Eka Elijah Maples, a private education consultant; Dr. Essien Ndueso (Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Documentation); Barr. Clement Ebuk (Director, School Services, State Secondary Education Board); Dr. Anietie S. Ikot (Director, Secondary & Higher Education, Ministry of Education); and Akparawa Udeme Udofia (Director, Local Education Committee, Uyo, as Secretary.
Others include, Dr. Ime Ataide (Chairman, National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria [NAPTAN]); Barr. Dr Henry Ekanem (Retired School Principal); President, ANCOPPS; Chairman, NUT; and Mr. Michael Thompson Udofia (Nutritionist).
