Victoria Mbangwa
The Akwa Ibom State government has announced a probe into the conditions of boarding facilities in its public secondary schools after a video showing students eating subpar meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, went viral, sparking public outrage.
The video depicted students eating meals that were not only unappetizing but also lacked nutritional value, leading to widespread condemnation. In response, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, conducted an impromptu visit to the school and confirmed the troubling situation.
In a statement released on Saturday, she revealed that the state government had suspended the school’s principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the completion of the investigation.
The statement reads, “Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school.
“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, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
“We appeal 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 government is determined to ensure that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.”
The commissioner urged parents and the general public to be patient as the investigation continues and promised that any necessary actions will be taken to restore public trust in the state’s educational institutions.
