SUBEB: Governor Umo Eno Releases ₦5.9bn For Basic Education Reforms

Following Governor Umo Eno’s approval, a series of strategic reforms aimed at strengthening basic education, including the introduction of a new curriculum, recruitment of additional teachers, and a multi-billion naira infrastructure intervention, is underway in Akwa Ibom State.

The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, PhD, announced this during a press briefing held at the State SUBEB Headquarters in Uyo.

He revealed that the Governor has approved and released ₦5.9 billion for 2025 and 2026 intervention projects, emphasizing a shift from partial renovations to a more comprehensive approach.

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“Intervention will no longer be piecemeal. When we go to a school, we will handle it holistically: classrooms, water, toilets, electricity, and everything required to make the environment suitable for learning,” he explained.

Hon. Etuk, however, expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism and theft of school facilities, calling on host communities to take ownership of government investments.

“Government cannot continue to commit huge resources only for facilities to be vandalised. Communities must take responsibility for protecting what is provided for them,” he warned.

He outlined ongoing efforts by the board to improve teaching standards and create a more conducive learning environment for pupils across public primary and junior secondary schools.

A key highlight of the briefing was the planned rollout of a new curriculum for primary schools, which the Chairman described as a long-overdue development that will significantly enhance the quality of education in the state.

“For many years, this has not happened. With the new curriculum, we will be able to add value to teaching and learning in our schools,” he said.

Addressing the issue of manpower, the SUBEB Chairman disclosed that the state government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers to tackle the shortage currently affecting schools, noting that priority will be given to ICT and computer science graduates in order to strengthen digital education.

“We do not have enough teachers in our schools. Therefore, we appealed to the Governor, and he has graciously approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers. We are paying attention to ICT teachers because we already have computer labs that require qualified personnel,” he stated.

He also highlighted disputes between communities and school authorities over school lands, noting that such conflicts are negatively affecting school administration and student enrollment. He urged community leaders and School Management Committees to support, rather than hinder, the smooth operation of schools.

While appreciating the state government’s commitment to education, the education administrator stressed that strong foundational learning remains critical to overall development.

“If the foundation is not strong, nothing can function properly. That is why we must continue to invest in basic education,” he added.

Eno

Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Nsibiet John, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing education, particularly the approval for teacher recruitment.

“The employment of over 1,000 teachers is a major step forward, especially for schools in rural communities, and will go a long way in strengthening basic education delivery,” he said.

He further called for strengthened Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and urged SUBEB to extend intervention efforts to schools facing infrastructure challenges, including QIC Primary School in Eket Local Government Area.

The SUBEB Chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to sustaining reforms, assuring that ongoing initiatives will significantly improve the standard of basic education and provide better learning outcomes for pupils across the state.

NPF Uncovers ₦713.9m Bank Fraud Syndicate, Arrests Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force, through the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against financial crimes with the uncovering of a sophisticated fraud syndicate responsible for the diversion of over Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (₦713,900,000) from customers’ accounts.

The development followed a complaint from a financial institution in Nigeria, which reported a series of unauthorized debits linked to security breaches associated with a third-party platform.

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Acting on the complaint, operatives of the PSFU deployed advanced investigative and digital forensic techniques, which revealed that fifteen (15) customers’ accounts were compromised, with funds swiftly funneled through a network of accounts in a coordinated laundering operation.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Oguntoyinbo Olawale and Kazeem Omokayode.

Further investigations established that the suspects conspired with one Linda, a Chinese national currently at large, to use personal identification details, including Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and other credentials, to open multiple bank accounts across various financial institutions. These accounts were subsequently used to receive, conceal, and launder illicit proceeds.

The suspects currently in custody will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.

Police Arrests

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, commended the officer of the Police Special Fraud Unit for their efforts and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating financial and cyber-enabled crimes.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mnipr, mni,Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, 6th May 2026

NAF Collaborates With Ministries Of Agriculture, Livestock To Enhance Food Security

In a strategic move to align national defence with Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expanded its non-kinetic operations through engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The engagements highlighted the growing recognition that food security is critical to national security, while also advancing the objectives of NAF Farms Limited, the Air Force’s flagship agricultural initiative.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet led the delegation, which included the Managing Director of NAF Farms Limited, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun, and other senior officers of the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch.

At the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the CAS commended the Honourable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for the Ministry’s progress in advancing the National Ranching Policy, livestock partnerships and National Livestock Centres.

He noted that collaboration with the Ministry would support the expansion of modern NAF livestock farms through access to improved breeds, veterinary services and specialised training in animal husbandry and agrotech. In response, the Minister described the initiative as strategic and forward-looking, while also commending the NAF’s contributions to national security and stability.

Similarly, at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the CAS lauded the Honourable Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for interventions aimed at stabilising food prices, expanding dry-season farming and strengthening food reserves.

NAF, Ministries Of Agriculture

He also sought support for integrating NAF Farms Limited into national agricultural programmes, particularly in mechanised farming, improved seedlings and fertiliser access.

Senator Kyari assured the delegation of the Ministry’s support, while both Ministries confirmed plans for technical cooperation and policy integration to position NAF Farms Limited as a strategic non-kinetic platform for boosting food production, supporting livelihoods and complementing ongoing counter-insurgency efforts through sustainable national development initiatives.