Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, has announced the suspension of Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, over allegations of poor feeding of boarding students at the school.
The announcement was made in a statement released to journalists in Uyo on Saturday.
According to Etiebet, the suspension follows an unscheduled visit by ministry officials to the school after reports surfaced of inadequate and malnourishing meals being served to students, despite significant boarding fees paid to the school management. The issue was brought to light through a viral video on social media, which showed the students being fed unappetizing and nutritionally deficient meals.
“Following the disturbing video that circulated online, showing students being served substandard meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I made an unscheduled visit to the school,” the statement read.
Etiebet explained that the incident had prompted the state government to launch a full investigation into the condition of boarding facilities at the school, as well as at the other 25 boarding schools in the state.
“I have directed a comprehensive review of the boarding facilities at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, and all other 25 state-run secondary boarding schools,” she said. “This investigation will assess the state of the hostels, dining halls, recreational areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitation facilities. The review will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.”
As a result, the commissioner announced the immediate suspension of Principal Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Etiebet also clarified that while the state’s free education policy covers only tuition fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority for the Umo Eno-led administration.
It has been reported that students in several Akwa Ibom public schools, including Federal Government Colleges in the state, have faced malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions in their hostels, despite substantial fees being paid for boarding services.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet minimum standards that safeguard the well-being of both students and staff,” Etiebet added. “We urge parents, who have already been relieved of the burden of tuition fees, to continue supporting their children with other basic responsibilities during their secondary education.”
She concluded by expressing confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving education in the state, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to remain patient while we address these issues,” she said.
