The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, has announced the suspension of Nse Sunday Umoh, the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, over the poor feeding conditions experienced by boarding students in the hostel.
The announcement was made in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo on Saturday.
According to the commissioner, officials from the ministry conducted an unannounced visit to the school following complaints from students about malnutrition, despite the significant boarding fees paid to the school management.
She explained that the students’ plight came to light through a viral video circulating on social media, which prompted swift action from both the public and the government.
“After seeing the deeply troubling video where students were served unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I conducted an unscheduled visit to the school,” the statement read.
Etiebet stated that the incident had prompted the government to launch a thorough investigation into the condition of boarding facilities at the school, as well as in the other 25 boarding schools across the state.
“I have directed a comprehensive review of the state of boarding facilities in this school and the 25 other boarding secondary schools in the state.
“This review will cover hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities. It will be jointly supervised by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
“As an immediate measure, I have ordered the suspension of the school’s Principal, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
The commissioner emphasised that while the state government’s free education policy covers tuition fees only and excludes boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a key priority for the administration led by Governor Umo Eno.
It is worth noting that students in public schools across Akwa Ibom have long faced challenges such as malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions in hostels, including at Federal Government Colleges within the state, despite the significant sums paid as boarding fees.
Etiebet urged parents, who have already been relieved of tuition fee burdens under the free education policy, to take on basic parental responsibilities to support their children attending secondary schools.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet minimum standards that guarantee the well-being of learners and staff. We appeal to the public for patience while this investigation is carried out.
“The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, remains steadfast in his commitment to education as outlined in the ARISE Agenda,” she said.
