Akwa Ibom State’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, has announced the suspension of the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Mr. Nse Sunday Umoh, following reports of poor feeding in the school’s hostel.
In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, the Commissioner explained that the suspension came after the ministry conducted an unscheduled visit to the school.
The decision followed complaints from students about malnutrition despite the significant amounts paid for boarding fees.
The public outcry was amplified by a viral video that showed students being served unpalatable and non-nutritional meals.
This video drew widespread attention, prompting government intervention.Etiebet’s statement reads in part:
“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.”
The Commissioner revealed that the government had launched an investigation into the state of boarding facilities at the school, as well as at other public boarding schools across the state.
“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.”
Etiebet added that, as a result of the incident, the Principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Mr. Nse Sunday Umoh, had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Despite the fact that Akwa Ibom’s free education policy covers tuition fees only and does not extend to boarding costs, Etiebet stressed that the welfare of students—especially those in public schools—remains a top priority for the Umo Eno administration.
The Commissioner further noted that students in Akwa Ibom public schools, including Federal Government Colleges in the state, have long faced challenges such as malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions in hostels, despite the large sums paid as boarding fees.
In her statement, Etiebet called on parents to continue supporting their children in secondary schools, particularly with the burden of tuition fees now lifted by the state government.
“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,” she said.
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s administration to improving education in the state, in line with the ARISE Agenda.
