The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to implement strategic reforms in basic education.
The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, disclosed this during the opening of a three-day sensitization workshop on the HOPE–Education and HOPE–Governance Programme in Uyo.
He explained that the initiative forms part of a $1.5 billion national investment in human capital development, with over $500 million specifically allocated to the education sector.
Prof. Umoh commended the Governor for his deliberate and strategic efforts to reposition the education sector through the ARISE Agenda, describing it as a transformative roadmap driving sustainable improvements in the state’s education system.
He further revealed that, a few weeks ago, the Governor constituted a technical committee to ensure the effective implementation of the programme in the state.
The Commissioner assured delegates of the HOPE-EDU and HOPE-Governance initiatives of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s unwavering commitment to the programme, pledging that the state would diligently play its role to guarantee its success for the benefit of future generations.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, also reaffirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate fully with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure seamless execution of the programme and the overall advancement of basic education in the state.
He urged participants to embrace the HOPE-EDU programme as a transformative platform for strengthening basic education delivery, emphasizing the need for collaboration, accountability, and commitment at all levels.
Dr. Akila Razak, who represented the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, noted that Nigeria faces a high number of out-of-school children. He described the programme as not merely an abstract goal but an actionable imperative within the education system.
He further emphasized that the nation’s basic education sector faces stark challenges, including over 10 million out-of-school children, overcrowded classrooms, and resource disparities that undermine equity, expressing confidence that HOPE-EDU represents a critical turning point.
