By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Akwa Ibom government has ordered an investigation into the state of facilities and feeding in its boarding schools following a viral video showing students being fed with a substance suspected to be a watery soup at one of the schools, the Presbyterian Senior Science College, in Ididep area of the state.
Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet said this in a statement on Sunday.
She also announced that the state government has suspended Nse Sunday Umoh, the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, over poor feeding of boarding students in the hostel following the viral video.
According to the statement, the suspension of the Principal followed unscheduled visit to the public school following an outcry from students against malnutrition, despite a huge amount of money paid as boarding fees to the school management.
She acknowledged that the condition of the students was made public in a viral video trending on social media, which caught the attention of 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.”
She further noted that though 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.
She therefore urged 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.
