Free education is still on course-Commissioner

Elder Aniekan Akpan

The State Government has reiterated its full commitment towards the continuous implementation of the free and compulsory education programme for all children in Public Primary, Secondary and Technical Schools in the State. This assertion was made by the Commissioner for Education, Elder Aniekan Akpan while addressing an enlarged meeting of Principals of Public Secondary Schools and Technical Colleges, Zonal Directors of Education Secretaries and other Stakeholders in the State.

Elder Akpan emphasized that the on-going free education programme which he said is unstoppable is designed at accelerating literacy rate among the youths as well as repositioning them for a more progressive future.
He described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a deeply committed, passionate leader working hard uplift the future and State of Akwa Ibom child for greater tomorrow.
The commissioner said in order to enhance the successful continuous implementation of the free and compulsory the State Government has released the 2015/2016 first term subvention to all Principals and School Heads for the running of their various schools.
Elder Akpan explained that with the release of the subvention and arrangement for further subventions, Schools Heads are not authorized to collect fees under any guise warning that those who violate the order will face severe sanctions.
He emphasized that with the operation of the free and compulsory education in the State, Government does not expect any school Head to put any financial burden on Parents and guardians.
The education boss debunked rumors and speculations from certain quarters that Government was about to discontinue its free education programme with the payment of fees in Public Schools and emphasized that at no time has that type of directive been issued.
Elder Akpan appealed to school authorities to appreciate government’s huge expenditure in the education sector by ensuring prompt service delivery to enable the State benefit from the gains of democracy from a passionate administration.
He said Governor Udom Emmanuel is determined to leave a lasting education legacy for our children to enable them complete favourably will others within and outside the state.
The commissioner directed schools to submit accurate data to their appropriate education Boards and the Ministry of Education for proper educational planning and administration.
He emphasized the need for intensive monitoring of schools for effectiveness of the system and called on school heads to make judicious use of Government subventions for effective running of their various schools.
The commissioner appealed for team work and cooperation from the Board and Education Stakeholders for optimum results.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Etim Ukpong and ANCOPSS, Mr. Livinus Odiong commended the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for sustaining the free education programme through the release of schools subventions as well as giving due attention to teachers welfare.
They pledged to support Government free education and other programmes for the benefit of the society.