Eno seeks more enrollment of pupils in schools across Akwa Ibom

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has solicited more enrollment of pupils in schools across the state to avail themselves of the facilities provided by his administration.

Eno said increased enrollment would ensure the reduction of out-of-school children in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of Model School in Oku Clan, Uyo Local Government Area, the governor expressed determination in providing quality education through strategic investments in the sector.

The school, which underwent a complete transformation, was reconstructed from the ground up following years of infrastructural decay. The intervention has produced a modern educational facility equipped with state-of-the-art learning infrastructure designed to provide pupils with a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

In addition to the new facilities, the governor distributed school sandals, exercise books and school bags free of charge to the pupils, who turned out in large numbers looking cheerful and smartly dressed for the historic occasion.

Eno who was represented by Godwin Ntukudeh, his political adviser, said that the project showed his administration’s determination to deliver dividends of democracy to the people through impactful development initiatives.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the governor noted that democratic governance must be measured by tangible benefits to citizens.

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

He urged parents and guardians within Oku and neighbouring communities to take advantage of the improved educational facilities by enrolling their children in the school, assuring that government would continue to invest in projects that directly improve the wellbeing of the people.

Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, described the intervention as a major milestone in the state’s educational development efforts.

According to him, the institution, originally established about 112 years ago by the Qua Iboe Church, had suffered years of infrastructural deterioration before the intervention of the present administration.

He disclosed that the remodeled facility now boasts 19 fully functional classrooms, an Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) section, television-equipped learning spaces, reception area, assembly hall, library, ICT laboratory, head teacher’s office, staff offices, sick bay, sporting facilities and a security post.

The commissioner further revealed that the project includes a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment for the Head Teacher as well as furnished two-bedroom residential quarters for teachers within the school premises, creating a conducive environment for both learning and administration.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Anietie Etuk, commended Governor Eno for prioritising education, describing it as the most enduring investment any government can make for future generations.

While assuring that the Board would continue to complement government efforts towards improving access to basic education across the state, he urged local government councils to initiate measures to safeguard schools and the facilities.

Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Uwemedimo Udo, identified himself as an alumnus of the school, lauded Governor Eno for restoring the institution to its former glory.

He noted that due to the school’s location, its deteriorating condition had gone largely unnoticed over the years until the intervention of the present administration.

The Council Chairman announced that the local government had engaged security personnel to safeguard the facility and would provide lawn maintenance services to ensure the school environment remains clean and attractive.

He further conveyed the community’s appreciation to the Governor and reiterated the request for the establishment of a government secondary school in Oku Clan.