Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the education sector. The declaration was made on Monday, October 5, 2026, during the World Teachers' Day celebration in Uyo. Eno's administration aims to improve standards in the sector through various measures. A total of 20,000 teachers employed by the state government will receive a N50,000 wardrobe allowance. This move is part of a comprehensive plan to revamp the education system in Akwa Ibom State.
As part of the education emergency plan, Eno has approved the recruitment of 2,000 additional teachers. The governor has also ordered the completion of the Teachers House Secretariat within six months. Furthermore, N500,000 grants have been approved for each of the 1,776 registered private schools in the state. This grant aims to support teachers in private schools. The education emergency will be coordinated by Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and the Commissioner for Education.
The education emergency plan involves a holistic review of the sector. The review will examine areas that need improvement, including the creation of more schools for innovation at the secondary and tertiary levels. Eno's administration aims to digitalize the state's educational system. The review will also focus on teacher accountability, continuous training, and regular attendance. Improved welfare for teachers is matched with expectations of improved performance.
Eno emphasized the importance of accountability and performance from teachers. He stated that teachers should be held accountable for teaching students and continue to undergo training and retraining. Regular attendance and commitment to teaching are also expected from teachers. The governor noted that education remains a crucial legacy his administration intends to leave for the next generation.
The Akwa Ibom State government has released N15 billion as its matching grant to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). This fund has enabled interventions in over 100 schools. Additionally, 38 model primary schools have been built and furnished, with at least one located in each local government area. These model schools are equipped with solar power, ICT facilities, teachers' residences, and other essential infrastructure.
Eno's administration has also cleared over N2 billion in inherited 7.5 percent contributory pension obligations owed to teachers. A total of 172,000 Akwa Ibom students have been registered for WAEC and NECO examinations under the government's education support program. The governor has also announced the transformation of the Akwa Ibom College of Education into the Akwa Ibom University of Education. Professor Philip Afaha has been named the institution's Vice Chancellor.
The governor's administration is committed to deepening investment in education. Eno described teachers as "agents of change" and assured them that his administration would continue to invest in their welfare, tools, and professional development. The education emergency declaration aims to produce concrete reforms and better outcomes for children across Akwa Ibom State.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, declares education emergency to improve standards in the sector.
- N50,000 wardrobe allowance approved for 20,000 state-employed teachers.
- N500,000 grants approved for each of the 1,776 registered private schools to support teachers.
