Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality education for the children of the state, emphasizing that no expense will be spared in ensuring their educational advancement.
]Speaking on the significance of education, Governor Eno stressed the importance of motivating Akwa Ibom students through initiatives such as the education exchange program with the United Kingdom (UK).
During a meeting with the Mayor of London Borough of Southwark, Michael Situ, Governor Eno solidified an education exchange deal aimed at providing Akwa Ibom students and teachers with opportunities to explore educational prospects abroad. The exchange program is expected to foster cultural, sporting, and educational interactions between Akwa Ibom and Southwark.
Despite potential costs associated with the exchange program, Governor Eno emphasized the paramount importance of human capital development, stating that the benefits for Akwa Ibom children outweigh any financial concerns.
The exchange program will enable selected students from public schools in Akwa Ibom to travel to London for educational opportunities. As part of Governor Eno’s educational advancement initiative, 31 talented but economically disadvantaged students have been chosen to participate, aligning with the state’s commitment to free and compulsory education.
Furthermore, Governor Eno highlighted the program’s objective to inspire students to excel academically and shun social vices, emphasizing the transformative power of education. He expressed his hope that exposing Akwa Ibom students to international opportunities would motivate them to pursue excellence in their studies and future endeavors.
Meanwhile, a two-day workshop on education skills upscaling was organized for principals of public secondary schools in Uyo to prepare them for the exchange program. Facilitated by David Bromfield from the UK, the workshop focused on quality leadership in education and effective curriculum inspection, aiming to enhance the quality of teaching in Akwa Ibom schools.
In response to the workshop, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the All-Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS), Mr. Stephen Akpabio, expressed confidence in the potential of the exchange program to elevate the standard of education in the state.
Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, underscored the importance of embracing global best practices in education delivery, urging school administrators to leverage the knowledge gained during the workshop for policy formulation and implementation.
The exchange partnership with the UK represents a significant milestone in Governor Eno’s efforts to enhance the educational landscape in Akwa Ibom State, with a focus on empowering students and educators to excel on a global scale.