The government of Akwa Ibom State has voiced deep concern over the alarming rate of vandalism in public schools within the region.
Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom Governor on Social Orientation, raised this alarm while leading a group of social volunteers on a tour of schools in Uyo, the state capital, to highlight the extent of the damage inflicted upon these public institutions.
Finbarr urged community leaders and residents to take responsibility for the protection of public infrastructure, particularly schools. He stressed the importance of community vigilance and fostering a sense of ownership over these essential facilities.
During the tour, several schools were visited, including Offot Central School, QIC Primary School on Idoro Road in Uyo, and Primary School, West Itam Two, in Itu Local Government Area. Finbarr noted that even reinforced security measures, such as tall fences and police mobilization, could not fully curb the ongoing vandalism.
He emphasized the need for community engagement and the promotion of a collective responsibility to safeguard public infrastructure. “Initially, it was only doors and windows that were ripped off, but now even roofs are taken off from schools,” stated the governor’s aide, adding, “We are taking the message to every nook and cranny. We are using every medium of communication to step up the sensitization. We just have to rise and put a stop to this.”
Finbarr decried the situation, stating that the government was intensifying awareness campaigns against vandalism and tightening security measures to identify and apprehend those responsible for these acts.
The aide emphasized the urgency of the situation, as many public schools in the capital city have seen significant damage to their infrastructure. He pointed out that these acts of vandalism were likely carried out by members of the local community, undermining the region’s development. Governor Umo Eno has taken measures to address this issue, as the state is currently constructing new model schools, and there are concerns that the same vandalism may be extended to these newly developed facilities.
