Akpabio Steps Into the Classroom: Senate President Turns Teacher During School Project Launch
AKWA IBOM In an inspiring twist during a flurry of development inaugurations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio momentarily swapped his political mantle for chalk and a blackboard, taking on the role of teacher at a newly built secondary school in his native Akwa Ibom.
The surprise classroom session occurred on Sunday, May 18, as Akpabio toured and commissioned a series of constituency projects across the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District. A now-viral video shows the Senate President energetically engaging with students in an impromptu lesson a gesture that has drawn widespread admiration both online and within the community.
“This is not just about infrastructure; it is about investing in the future,” Akpabio told the students and teachers gathered. “Education remains a critical pillar in the development of our communities.”
33 Projects, One Vision
The classroom moment was just one highlight in a day packed with high-impact unveilings. Akpabio commissioned 33 projects, spanning education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and commerce — a multi-sectoral push aimed at transforming grassroots living conditions.
Among the key highlights:
A modern school block at Secondary Commercial School, Otoro
A newly built police station
A 500-meter stretch of the Abiakpo Water Works Road in Ikot Ekpene
An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mercy Hospital
Two ultra-modern markets at Urua Adet Obo and Ikot Ekpene
Roads including Usung Idim Road, Adaha Ayam Road, and a 3km stretch in Abak
“These projects are more than brick and mortar,” Akpabio noted. “From healthcare to commerce, roads to education, the goal is to touch lives at every level and build a stronger Akwa Ibom.”
Development with a Human Touch
Akpabio’s decision to engage directly with students has been hailed by many as a refreshing example of leadership with a human face. Residents praised not only the infrastructure upgrades but also the symbolic importance of the Senate President’s hands-on approach.
Local chiefs, school administrators, and market leaders echoed similar sentiments emphasizing the long-term socio-economic benefits of such interventions. “This is the kind of leadership we need. One that doesn’t just commission projects but connects with the people,” said Chief Ekong Udo, a community elder in Ikot Ekpene.
As his constituency outreach continues, Akpabio’s blend of infrastructural investment and personal engagement may be setting a new tone for grassroots politics one that bridges the gap between power and people, policy and purpose.
Reference
Akpabio Steps Into the Classroom: Senate President Turns Teacher During School Project Launch