Commissioner suspends principal over poor feeding in Akwa Ibom school

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh, for perceived irregularities in the feeding of boarding students.

The suspension, according to a statement by the commissioner came on the heels of a very disturbing video on the social media, where students of the institution were fed with unpalatable and innutrious meals.

According to the commissioner, “I paid an unscheduled visit to the school, and I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.

“This review will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities and will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board”.

Mrs. Etiebet noted that despite the fact that the free education policy of the state government, covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.

“We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in public secondary schools.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.

“We urge the public to remain patient while this investigation lasts. The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno remains unwavering in his commitment to education, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda,” she maintained.