By Gabriel Atumeyi
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has announced recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers into the state’s public primary school system.
The Governor announced this during the inauguration of the new State Universal Basic Education Board on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Uyo.
According to him, primary education is key to development of any society and expressed confidence in the board members, urging them to live up to expectations of giving primary education a facelift in line with the Completion Agenda.
He said: “A lot of people have heard that since last year we’ve been screaming that we are declaring a state of emergency in the education and we are not likely going to finish that in two years, it is something that will span through a minimum of 10 years but we must start the foundation this year.
“We have invested a whole lot in infrastructure and basic education is key, that is why if you check, the people we go after to head the primary board are people that can best represent us anywhere”, he assured.
The governor also commended the outgone Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Maria Ikrok and her team for a job well done while soliciting the loyalty of the incoming board members.
“We have decided to add to you immediately another 1,000 primary school teachers”.
“It is extremely disappointing to see people who are treacherous and whoever is treacherous can never go unpunished”.
Responding, the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Obong Paul Ekpo, thanked the governor for finding him fit for the appointment, praying God to give the Governor the grace to finish strong.
He pledged to work hard and passionately to improve the primary education system.
“Let me thank God for the opportunity and also thank the Governor for the finding me fit for this appointment.
“As the governor did mention, a state of emergency has been declared in the state education sector and we on behalf of our board pledge to be committed to making that critical contributions that will improve our educational system”.
The board members are, Obong Paul Ekpo – Chairman, Elder Godwin Enoidem – Member, Mr. Ekong Ambrose – Member, Mr. Iniobong Akpan – Member, Mr. Jonny Udoh – Member.