Following Governor Umo Eno’s directive to investigate a viral video exposing poor feeding conditions at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, residents of Akwa Ibom State have called for a broader inquiry into the state’s Secondary and Technical Education Board.
The video, shared by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, showed students being served garri and watery soup despite paying boarding fees. The footage sparked public outrage, prompting Education Commissioner Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet to visit the school unannounced. She suspended the principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, and announced a review of boarding facilities across all 25 public boarding schools in the state.
However, many Akwa Ibom residents argue that the investigation must extend beyond the immediate incident to address systemic issues. Critics allege that corrupt practices within the education board and neglect by officials have long compromised the quality of public education.
Public Affairs Analyst Emem Nkereuwem criticized the commissioner for failing to institute regular inspections before the scandal broke. “It’s sad that a commissioner had to wait for a viral video to act,” she said, calling for appointments based on competence rather than political connections.
Other residents echoed concerns about systemic corruption, with allegations that principal appointments require hefty bribes to board members. Senior journalist Etim Etim claimed candidates pay between ₦1.3 million and ₦1.5 million for such positions, forcing them to recoup losses through unauthorized levies or misappropriation of funds.
The situation has drawn attention to broader issues, including inadequate boarding fees. “Each student reportedly pays ₦60,000 annually for boarding, amounting to less than ₦700 per day for meals,” Etim noted. “This is insufficient to provide decent food.”
Calls for reform extend to monitoring processes, which critics say are compromised by bribery and favoritism. One insider alleged that school staff are often instructed to prepare envelopes of cash for visiting board monitors, undermining any genuine oversight.
Residents and stakeholders have urged Governor Eno to address these deep-rooted issues by overhauling the education system and holding officials accountable. They also emphasized the need to revisit the recommendations of a past education summit to restore the state’s schools to functionality and integrity.
The incident has underscored the urgent need for transparent governance and systemic reforms in Akwa Ibom’s education sector.
