Why A’Ibom boarding school principals feed students unhealthy meals
Accuses State School Board of Selling Principal Positions for N1.5M
Public affairs analyst and opinion leader, Etim Etim, has linked the poor feeding of students in Akwa Ibom State boarding schools, exposed in a trending video, to alleged corruption within the State Secondary School Board. He accused the Board of demanding cash inducements for appointing school principals.
The viral video, which led to the immediate suspension of the Principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College (PSSC), Ididep, showed students being served garri with a dark brown watery soup, sparking public outrage on social media.
Reacting on Sunday, Etim noted that suspending the principal was insufficient to address the root cause of the problem. He added that Governor Umo Eno might have been equally distressed by the video and urged him to take decisive action.
“We used to have school inspectors, and it was common for commissioners or even governors to make unannounced visits,” Etim said. “The suspension of PSSC Principal, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, and the announcement of a comprehensive investigation into the state’s 26 boarding schools by the Education Commissioner, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, is a start. But there’s more to it.”
Etim revealed that teachers and principals he had spoken to highlighted systemic corruption as the primary issue plaguing the state’s boarding schools.
“Would-be principals are reportedly required to pay between N1.3 million and N1.5 million to the Chairman and members of the State Secondary Education Board to secure appointments. Even after securing the position, they must make regular payments as ‘contributions’ to the Board,” Etim explained.
“This has been an open secret for years. I once declined to assist a friend financially when he sought such a position. How can principals effectively manage schools under such burdens?”
Etim also questioned the financial feasibility of running boarding schools on the existing fees.
“I learned that each student pays N60,000 as a boarding fee annually. If true, that amounts to less than N700 per day or about N200 per meal. That’s similar to a prisoner’s ration in Nigeria. How can a principal manage such funds effectively while also recouping personal expenses tied to securing their position?”
Teachers and principals also criticized the Board Chairman, alleging that her tenure introduced widespread underhand dealings.
“To make up for these payments, some principals divert boarding fees or introduce unauthorized levies,” they alleged.
The viral video resonated with parents, one of whom revealed their child’s similar ordeal.
“My son came home during midterm break and refused to return to school because of the poor feeding conditions,” the parent said. “At St. Mary Science College, Ediene Abak, the principal purchases foodstuffs for the school but hoards them. Students resort to self-help, cooking whatever they can find using cans. The school’s poor management has caused a drastic decline in its student population.”
In response to the uproar, Education Commissioner Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet outlined plans to investigate the state’s boarding schools.
“The investigation will cover hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities,” Mrs. Etiebet stated.
She emphasized that the state’s free education policy covers tuition fees but not boarding fees, urging parents to take on basic responsibilities to support their children.
“The welfare and dignity of all students, particularly those in public schools, remain a priority for the Umo Eno administration,” she said.
Etim concluded by calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the system.
“The governor must reassess the character, caliber, and capabilities of officials in the education sector and consider sweeping reforms to restore confidence in the system,” he said.
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A’Ibom boarding school principals feed students unhealthy meals