The Principal of Senior Science Secondary School, Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Nse Sunday Umoh has been suspended from duty over alleged poor feeding of students.
The suspension followed a viral video showing the meals given to the students which the state government considered as “disturbing and not nutritious.”
The education commissioner, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, announced the school principal’s suspension in a statement she signed and made available to THE WHISTLER in Uyo, the state capital.
According to the statement, “I paid an unscheduled visit to the school. 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 school’s principal, Dr NSE Sunday Umoh, pending the investigation’s outcome.
Although the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.
“We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet 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, the statement added.