A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Open Forum, has called on Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to dissolve the investigative panel tasked with examining conditions in 26 boarding schools, including the Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom.
This demand follows public outrage triggered by a viral video showing malnourished students consuming inadequate meals in a dilapidated environment, highlighting systemic failures in the state’s education sector.
Matthew Kofi Okono, founder of Open Forum, advocated for the implementation of the Akwa Ibom Strategic Education Roadmap (AKSER) 2020–2030, developed under the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. He emphasized the plan as critical for revamping the education sector and addressing current issues.
“The roadmap, crafted by a technical team led by Prof. Hilary Inyang, offers actionable steps to resolve education challenges. Its adoption under Governor Umo Eno would tackle widespread systemic decay,” Okono stated.
Okono criticized the current 15-member investigative panel, labeling it “damage control” and urging its disbandment. He proposed an independent body of 5–7 members to conduct an unbiased investigation into issues like the poor state of boarding facilities, alleged corruption in the education sector, and questionable management decisions.
He pointed to inadequate boarding fees—set at N60,000 per term—as a root cause of poor feeding standards, noting that requests for fee adjustments and direct food procurement options from government agencies were ignored.
“The suspension of Presbyterian School’s principal and the establishment of the panel appear insufficient. A transparent approach involving independent investigations is necessary to restore trust and uphold integrity,” Okono added.
