The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, has announced the suspension of Nse Sunday Umoh, Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, due to the poor feeding conditions of boarding students in the hostel.
This was revealed in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo on Saturday.
According to the commissioner, ministry officials conducted an unannounced visit to the school after receiving complaints from students about malnutrition, despite substantial boarding fees paid to the school management.
She added that the students’ plight gained public attention through a viral video on social media, prompting swift action from both the public and the government.
“Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and non-nutritional meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school,” the statement read.
Etiebet disclosed that the incident compelled the government to order an investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school, as well as in the other 25 boarding schools in the state.
“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, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
“Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the Principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The Commissioner 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.
It would be recalled that students in Akwa Ibom public schools have suffered from malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions in hostels, including Federal Government Colleges in the state, notwithstanding the huge amounts of money paid as boarding fees to the school management.
She therefore appealed to parents, who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees, to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible 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 said.