Akwa Ibom Education Overhaul Will Tackle Out-Of-School Children, Says Eno

Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has said ongoing education reforms and infrastructure renewal across the state are expected to significantly reduce the menace of out-of-school children, describing the intervention as central to his administration’s human capital development strategy.

The governor said the education overhaul, anchored on expanded access to basic schooling and upgraded learning facilities, would improve enrolment and strengthen learning outcomes across Akwa Ibom State.

He made the remarks at the weekend during the commissioning of the refurbished Qua Iboe Church Government Model School in Oku Clan, Uyo Local Government Area, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education infrastructure.

Governor Eno, who was represented at the event by his political adviser, Dr. Godwin Ntuk Udeh, said the project reflects government’s determination to translate public trust into tangible development outcomes.

He said, “We have to deliver the dividends of democracy to demonstrate why the people entrusted us with their mandate.”

According to him, rebuilding and upgrading dilapidated school structures remains a key pillar of the state’s strategy to expand access to quality basic education and reduce barriers that keep children out of school.

The facility, which had suffered years of infrastructural decay, was completely rebuilt and transformed into a modern learning environment equipped with upgraded classrooms and supporting infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, said the intervention represents a major milestone in the state’s education reform programme, noting that the school has a long historical legacy dating back over a century.

He explained that the institution, originally established by the Qua Iboe Church, had deteriorated significantly before the state government’s intervention restored it to full functionality.

According to him, the rebuilt facility now comprises 19 classrooms, an Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) section, ICT laboratory, library, assembly hall, staff offices, sick bay, sporting facilities, and a security post.

He added that the project also includes residential quarters for teachers and a fully furnished apartment for the head teacher to improve welfare and ensure effective school management.

Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Anietie Etuk, commended the governor’s sustained investment in education, describing it as a long-term investment in the state’s future workforce and productivity.

He assured that SUBEB would continue to support government efforts aimed at improving access to quality basic education across the state.

At the local government level, Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, praised the intervention, noting that the school’s decline had gone largely unnoticed for years until the government’s reconstruction effort.

He announced plans by the council to deploy security personnel to safeguard the facility and maintain its environment, while also appealing for the establishment of a secondary school in Oku Clan to absorb graduating pupils.

Traditional leaders and community stakeholders, including the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, also commended the project, describing it as a legacy investment that would benefit generations of learners and strengthen educational development in the area.

They further urged the state government to extend its education infrastructure drive by establishing a secondary school in the community to complement the upgraded primary institution.