Outrage over poor school meals: Akwa Ibom residents demand wider investigation, finger board members

On Wednesday, November 27, concerned residents of Akwa Ibom called for a bigger investigation into the troubling video from the Presbyterian Senior Science College in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The video showed students eating a meal of garri and watery soup with no condiments, despite having paid boarding fees. This shocking scene, shared by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, sparked outrage and widespread criticism.

Governor Umo Eno, after hearing about the incident, ordered an investigation into the situation. Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, the state’s Commissioner for Education, responded by visiting the school unannounced, suspending the principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, and promising a thorough probe into the school’s boarding facilities. The investigation would also cover 25 other boarding schools in the state, looking at issues such as dining halls, hostels, menus, kitchens, and sanitation.

However, many residents, alarmed by the state of affairs, are pushing for a deeper investigation into the Akwa Ibom State Secondary and Technical Education Board. They suspect that board members may be involved in the ongoing mismanagement of the schools.

Emem Nkereuwem, a public affairs analyst, expressed frustration, wondering why the Commissioner had not regularly visited schools as part of her duties. “It’s sad that a commissioner had to be stampeded before visiting a public school. The video is not impressive. Politics should be set aside, and competent people should be given responsibilities,” she said.

Another local, John, was disappointed that it took a viral video to prompt action. “Why wait for a viral video before acting when there have been repeated complaints?” he said. He also called for appointments based on competence rather than political connections.

Professor Des Wilson from the University of Uyo emphasized that the investigation should extend to the procedures for appointing school principals and addressing problems like subletting teaching positions. “We need to look at how principals are appointed and the practices that go on behind the scenes,” he said.

Senior journalist Etim Etim added that some principals in the state pay large sums of money to board members in exchange for their positions, only to recoup that money by charging students high fees and sometimes introducing unauthorized charges. “I was told that each student pays N60,000 for boarding, but how much of that goes to feeding the students?” Etim asked. “That’s less than N700 per day for food, which is hardly enough to feed anyone properly.”

Etorobong Inyang, another journalist, criticized the government’s failure to act on recommendations from an education summit held years ago. “Why didn’t the government implement the summit’s recommendations? Why are schools still in such poor condition?” Inyang questioned.

While monitoring by board members does take place, some insiders claim that it’s only a formality. “When the board members come, the principal warns us to contribute money. They go straight to the principal’s office, get entertained, and leave without inspecting anything,” one anonymous source revealed.

Residents of Akwa Ibom are calling on Governor Eno to thoroughly review the Education Board and take action against anyone found guilty of negligence. They urge for a deeper look into the system to ensure students receive quality education and proper care in school.