Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the education sector and approved, among other interventions, the recruitment of additional 2,000 teachers to support the state’s school system.
Governor Eno made the declaration during the World Teachers’ Day celebration held at Uyo Township Stadium. The Governor noted that education is a strong pillar in his development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.
He said the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will work with the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, to set up a high-powered committee to look into the sector and come up with a comprehensive document for a standard upgrade in the sector.
The Governor enjoined all stakeholders in the education sector to collaborate with the State Government to enhance the standard of education.He highlighted some his administration’s achievements in the education sector, including the upgrade of the State college of Education, Afaha Nsit, to a University of Education, and announced the appointment of Prof. Philip Afaha as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
He also approved the recruitment of 2,000 additional teachers for primary schools, to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the sub-sector. As part of his welfare packages for teachers, the Governor announced a wardrobe allowance of N50, 000 for each teachers in the State employ, and a ₦500,000 support for each of the 1,776 registered private schools in the State.
He congratulated the teachers on the celebration, and charged them to be dedicated to their duties to turnaround the sector for the better. Following a request for support to complete the NUT Secretariat, the Governor directed the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour committee to oversee the completion of the structure.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Umoh thanked the Governor for his passion for educational development in the State, describing him as a progressive leader who prioritizes change in the educational sector. He said the Governor has demonstrated commendable interest through huge investments in the State educational system at all levels.
Also speaking, the National President of NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, represented by Comrade Ofonime Ekanem, appreciated the Governor for his welfare packages for teachers and for his commitment to the transformation of education through model schools, teachers quarters, and others.
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