Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has taken a significant step towards improving the state's education sector by declaring a state of emergency. This move is aimed at driving a comprehensive turnaround of Akwa Ibom's education sector. The governor made this announcement on October 6, 2026, during the celebration of World Teachers' Day at the Uyo Township Stadium.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Eno unveiled a welfare package estimated at over ₦2.1 billion for public school teachers and registered private schools across the state. The package includes a ₦50,000 wardrobe allowance and ₦10,000 transport allowance for each of the 21,167 public school teachers in the state. This amounts to more than ₦1.27 billion for public school teachers alone.
The welfare package also includes a ₦500,000 support grant for each of the 1,776 registered private schools, translating to another ₦888 million intervention for the private education sector. The governor stated that these interventions are designed to improve teachers' welfare while strengthening the education system. He emphasized that teachers should benefit from the rewards of their service while still alive.
In addition to the welfare package, Governor Eno approved the recruitment of an additional 2,000 teachers, following the earlier approval for 1,000 teachers. He announced that the recruitment portal would soon be opened for qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes to apply. This move is expected to address manpower gaps in public schools and improve the quality of education.
The declaration of an education emergency will be coordinated by an Education Emergency Committee headed by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi. The committee will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the sector and recommend measures to address identified gaps, improve standards, and reposition education in line with the administration's ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno also disclosed that his administration has constructed and furnished 38 model primary schools across the 31 local government areas. The government has continued to pay WAEC and other examination fees for students. Furthermore, the governor stated that his administration has cleared about ₦2.4 billion in outstanding teachers' gratuities, describing teachers' welfare as a critical component of his administration's investment in education.
The governor announced the formal transformation of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education into the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, following the passage of the enabling law by the State House of Assembly. He named Professor Philip Afaha as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the new university, charging the institution to pursue excellence and contribute to the development of human capital in the state.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State Governor declares education emergency and unveils ₦2.1 billion welfare package for teachers.
- The package includes ₦50,000 wardrobe and ₦10,000 transport allowances for public school teachers.
- Governor Eno also approves recruitment of 2,000 additional teachers and transformation of Akwa Ibom State College of Education into a university.
