Gov Eno Approves N5.9bn For Basic Education Reforms

Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has underscored the importance of basic education as the foundation for Nigeria’s growth and development and approved N5.9 billion to strengthen the system.

Under the new regime, the reform measures, LEADERSHIP learned would include the introduction of a new curriculum, recruitment of more teachers and upgrading of infrastructure in public primary and secondary schools.

The chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Anietie Etuk, announced this during a press briefing at SUBEB Headquarters in Uyo, the state capital.

He revealed that the N5.9 billion was for the 2025 and 2026 intervention projects, adding that the funds would propel a shift from partial renovations to a more comprehensive approach.

“Intervention will no longer be piecemeal. When we go to a school, we will handle it holistically, classrooms, water, toilets, electricity and provide everything required to make the environment suitable for learning,” he said.

Etuk, however, expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism and theft of school facilities, calling on host communities to take ownership of government investments.

“Government cannot continue to commit huge resources only for facilities to be vandalised. Communities must take responsibility to protect what is provided for them,” he warned.

He outlined the board’s ongoing efforts to improve teaching standards and create a more conducive learning environment for pupils across public primary and junior secondary schools.

The SUBEB chief, therefore, announced the planned rollout of a new curriculum for primary schools, describing it as “a long-overdue development that will significantly enhance the quality of education in the State.”

“For many years, this has not happened. With the new curriculum, we will be able to add value to teaching and learning in our schools,” he recalled.

On manpower, the SUBEB chief disclosed that the government had approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers to address the shortage in the schools, noting that priority will be given to ICT and computer science graduates to strengthen digital education.

“We do not have enough teachers in our schools; therefore, we appealed to the governor, and he has approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers. We are paying attention to ICT teachers because we already have computer labs that require qualified personnel,” he stated.