Poor Feeding Of Students: Akwa Ibom Suspends Principal

By Adesina Soyooye

Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended  the Principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep over the poor feeding of the students.

The Principal, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh, was suspended pending the outcome of investigation over the poor food usually served the students.

Trouble started for the  Principal when the video of the terrible food usually served the  students who are in the boarding school surfaced on Social Media Platforms.

That necessitated a visit to the school, unannounced, unscheduled, to the school by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet. What she saw was upsetting to her.

The result is the suspension of the Principal and an investigation into the boarding facilities in the school and other 25 boarding schools in the State.

The letter, dated November 11, 2024, signed by the Commissioner, in which the Principal was suspended, reads as follows:

“MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO INVESTIGATE BOARDING FACILITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

“Following from the very  disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and innutrious 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, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.

“Consequently, I have also directed  the immediate suspension of the Principal of the school, Dr. NSE Sunday Umoh pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Despite the fact that the free education policy of the state government, covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.

“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 Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.

“We urge the public to remain patient while this investigation lasts. The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno remains unwavering in his commitment to education, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.

“Signed:

Mrs Idongesit Etiebet

Honourable Commissioner

23112024”