Gov. Umo Eno Restoring Hope Of Public Schools Within The State

Gov. Umo Eno restoring hope of public schools within the state. In Nigeria’s intricate educational landscape, where private schools often overshadow public institutions, Akwa Ibom shines as a beacon of hope and excellence.

By revitalizing the public education system, the oil rich State is illuminating the path for countless young minds, thereby restoring the lost glory of Nigeria’s public schools.

The guiding principle is that no society develops beyond its investment in education, and it is more pronounced in public education. This leads to the unprecedented repositioning of the repositories of knowledge, beginning from the starting rungs of the ladder of learning, the primary education.

Leading the charge in restoring Nigeria’s education system is the State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, whose clear vision and unwavering dedication to education has ushered in a new era of excellence through his innovative educational advancement policy.

No research is needed to verify the fact that under Governor Eno, the migration of pupils and students from private to public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State has tripled.

Pastor Eno’s commitment to educational advancement is evident in his administration’s efforts to provide a conducive learning environment, equipped with modern facilities and skilled teachers.

His vision for a revitalized education system is a key component of the ARISE Agenda, which aims to build model schools across the state and equip school children with essential skills for the future.

When Governor Eno, within his first 100 days in office, completely transformed the once dilapidated Christ the King Primary School on Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo into a model school, with a promise to replicate same in every local government area, many considered it a political gimmick or “initial gra gra”.

Within 20 months in office, Governor Eno, a promise keeper, has commissioned one fully equipped model primary school in Abak, Essien Udim and Oron local government areas respectively, while Uyo local government area alone has so far taken delivery of two model schools; one in Uruan Street and the other along Wellington Bassey way.

Governor Eno is not just commissioning classroom blocks; all pupils of each model school commissioned, are often kitted with free school uniforms, school sandals, socks, and school bags containing branded exercise books and other educational materials to aid effective learning.

Meanwhile, some unique features of these model schools dotting the nooks and crannies of the state include: fully furnished Classrooms, Solar-Powered Electricity, ICT Laboratory, Modern Sick Bay, Spacious Auditorium & Assembly Hall, Gender-Separate Sanitary Facilities, Dedicated Staff Quarters, Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) Classes and standard sporting facilities.

Still in line with the Governor’s promise to spread the model schools across the state, model schools under construction are at advanced stages in several other local government areas including; Itu, Etinan, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Ibiono Ibom, Eket, Okobo, Oruk Anam, Obot Akara, Ukanafun, INI, amongst others.

In the light of the speed so far engaged, suffices then to say that before the year 2027, the 31 local government areas of the state would have taken delivery of at least one model school in line with the Governor’s promise.

Before we proceed, It is noteworthy that the massive construction of new model schools across the state has not shifted the Governor’s focus from maintaining existing structures.

So much attention is also being paid to the upgrading and expanding of existing school infrastructures to provide conducive learning environments.

Crucially, the bedrock of any educational renaissance lies in the calibre of its teachers. Recognising this, Governor Eno, within 20 months, has organized more than 3 training sessions for Teachers and Heads of schools, in addition to providing development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Improving teachers motivation and retention under Governor Eno transcends timely payment of salaries and other emoluments, to payment of a wardrobe allowance and 13th Salaries every December.

But Governor Eno’s commitment to restore glory of public schools extends far beyond infrastructural development and provision of incentives to Teachers.

In less than 2 years in office, reviews and reforms have commenced in public schools curriculum to ensure it is relevant and inclusive, while preparing school children for challenges of the 21st century. Public schools have started taking delivery of ICT laboratories.

Central to the Governor’s feat is the sustainability of the free and compulsory education policy handed to him by his predecessors. This bold stroke has struck the heart of financial impediments that hitherto hindered access to basic education.

Umo Eno Restoring Hope Of Public Schools

Today, Akwa Ibom State government pays tuition fees for every child in the 1,169 primary schools, over 230 secondary schools and the 9 technical colleges in addition to the WASSCE and NAPTEB fees paid for all students in exit classes.

Governor Eno’s education advancement policies are critical steps towards reviving the pride of public schools.

By investing in infrastructure, teachers development and curriculum reforms, his administration is committed to providing high- quality education that prepares children for success.

For Governor Eno, although all children were born with equal potentials, all of them must be given equal opportunity to develop their God Given potentials through investment and innovation in education.