Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Mr Nse Sunday Umoh, over alleged poor feeding of the school’s boarding students.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet in Uyo and made available to journalists on Saturday.
The Commissioner said she decided to pay an unscheduled visit to the school, following a viral video and outcry of students against malnutrition despite the huge amount of money paid as boarding fees to the school management.
She said the incident had caused the government to order an investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school,as well as other 25 boarding schools in the state.
The statement reads in parts :
“Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and non-nutritional 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.”
The Commissioner noted that, even though 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.
She, therefore, appealed 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.” She added.
