Akwa Ibom State Government Directs Mobilization for Enrolment in Public Schools

Strategic Insights -

As the 2025/2026 academic session begins on September 15, the Akwa Ibom State Government has instructed head teachers, parents, and community leaders to intensify efforts in mobilizing children for enrolment in public schools. This directive comes as the government expresses concern over dwindling enrolment figures, despite significant investment in free and compulsory education. The government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring every child has equal access to quality education and is urging parents and stakeholders to take responsibility in shaping the future of the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed head teachers, parents, and community leaders to step up mobilization of children for enrolment in public schools ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.
  • The government expressed concern over dwindling enrolment figures in public schools, describing the trend as unacceptable and contrary to Governor Umo Eno's vision of making education the bedrock of sustainable development.
  • Head teachers and Local Education Authority officials are to intensify community engagement through sensitization campaigns, urging parents and guardians to embrace public education for the benefit of their children.
  • The government has reaffirmed that free and compulsory education at the primary and junior secondary levels remains a non-negotiable policy.
  • Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr. Roseline Mfon, reiterated government's commitment to ensuring every child has equal access to quality education.
  • Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government, Hon. Gideon Uwa-represented by Vice Chairman, Mrs. Choice Lazarus-commended SUBEB for its consistent investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials.
  • A retired school principal, Mr. Donatus Ekpa, attributed the dwindling enrolment to the quality of education received in private schools, citing the lack of a workable mechanism to assess the performance of teachers in public schools.
  • A retired Secondary school teacher, Mrs. Anietie Ita, criticized private schools for employing unqualified teachers and compromising standards and certifications to encourage students' population and financial gains.

Statistics:

  • The 2025/2026 academic session begins on September 15.
  • According to a retired school principal, Mr. Donatus Ekpa, private schools have recorded significant success and numerical strength in admission into tertiary institutions in the state.
  • Private schools in the state have boomed with tremendous traffic of pupils and students.
  • The state government has invested heavily in infrastructure and staff salaries for public schools.

Sources:

  • "Akwa Ibom Govt directs head teachers, parents, community leaders on enrolment mobilisation" by The Punch News
  • "Akwa Ibom State Government Directs Head Teachers, Parents, Community Leaders on Enrolment Mobilisation" by Vanguard News
  • "Akwa Ibom State Government Directs Head Teachers, Parents, Community Leaders on Enrolment Mobilisation" by The Guardian Nigeria