The attention of the Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State, was drawn to the attitude of some teachers who absent themselves from duty without leave/ permission or abandon their duty for months and are still receiving salaries without disciplinary action taken against them.
There were also reports of some school heads who collect illegal fees from students whereas Education in the state is free and compulsory in all public primary and secondary schools of the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Mrs. Stella Etukakpan recently went on an inspection with her entourage to ascertain the veracity of the allegations leveled against some teachers in the state.
Mrs. Etiebet had an interaction with the students of Secondary Grammar School, Ukpenekang in Ibeno LGA and Apostolic Secondary School, Ikot Oku Nsit, Nsit Ibom LGA where she confirmed the students were being levied illegally.
Meanwhile, some staff and parents also lend their voices in affirming the allegations leveled against the Principal of Secondary Grammar School, Ibeno, Mr. Douglas Emmanuel who was absent to defend himself on the day of the visit as well as Mr. Victor Morgan Etim who did not deny the collection of monies from the students.
Upon investigation and confirmation, the affected Principals have been suspended from office and directed to report for duty in the office of the Permanent Secretary, State Secondary Education Board with effect from Monday, 22nd July 2024. The most senior Vice Principals have been directed to cover duty until further notice.
Mr. Douglas Emmanuel Akpan and Mr. Victor Morgan Etim are to appear before the disciplinary committee of the Board for further necessary action.
The Honorable Commissioner has directed that the State Secondary Education Board should discipline and forward decisions taken which should be in line with the rules forthwith.
Mrs. Etiebet equally warned all School Heads not to levy students as the Government of Akwa Ibom State provides funds to cover all the needed payments, and advised parents to report any illegal fee levied on their children school to the appropriate authorities.
She emphasized that the ARISE Agenda of the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno promotes qualitative education which is free and compulsory for all public primary and secondary schools in the state, and it is to ameliorate the financial burden on the parents and guardians of the pupils.
This serves as a warning to all principals and head teachers to deter from such actions as all defaulters will face the consequences applicable to their offences.
