The Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Mr. Nse Sunday Umoh, has been suspended by the Akwa Ibom State Government due to inadequate feeding of boarding students in the hostel.
Umoh’s suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, on Saturday.
This came after the ministry conducted an unscheduled visit to the school in response to complaints from students about malnutrition, despite the high boarding fees paid to the school management.
The poor condition of the students was brought to public attention through a viral video which circulated on social media, prompting action from both the public and the government.
The 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.”
Etiebet revealed that the incident prompted the government to initiate an investigation into the conditions of boarding facilities not only in the affected school but also in the other 25 boarding schools within 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.”
“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 emphasized that while the state’s free education policy covers only tuition fees, the welfare and well-being of all students, particularly those in public schools, remain a top priority for the Umo Eno-led administration.
Reports have indicated that students in Akwa Ibom public schools, including Federal Government Colleges in the state, have been facing challenges such as malnutrition and inadequate hygiene in their hostel facilities, despite substantial boarding fees paid to the school management.
She called on parents, who have already been relieved of the financial burden of tuition fees, to fulfill their basic parental responsibilities and provide necessary support to 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,” she said.
