Friday June 27, 2025
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to laying a strong educational foundation for children across the state as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda blueprint.
The Governor made this known on Friday, June 27, during the commissioning of a newly constructed Model Primary School (PCN), Afaha Itam in Itu Local Government Area as part of the administration’s broader effort to make quality education accessible to every child.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Elder Udo Kerian Akpan, the Governor reassured his administration’s commitment to educational advancement in the State.
Governor Eno, reacting to an earlier goodwill message by the Deputy Speaker, Kufreabasi Edidem said, “I thank the Deputy Speaker for capturing all the issues, that the things that were lacking in Itu under previous administrations have been addressed by this government with over seven ongoing road projects”.
“My request today is that communities must ensure they protect government facilities within their vicinity so that we can continue to do more. 
“I salute the people of Itu for coming out en-masse to welcome us. Like the Commissioner for Education had said in his overview, this is a functional school environment which will challenge the children to do better. I enjoin parents to raise their children properly to ensure that this facility is not misused”.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt thanked the Governor for his numerous projects in the area, most especially for the quality of the structure affirmed the unflinching support of the people.
He described the Model Primary School project as a clear testament to the government’s dedication to making education more accessible.
He emphasized that the strategic location of the facility would enhance access to learning and reiterated that education is fundamental to the growth and development of every child.
Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, stated that the model school has an ICT Laboratory, fully furnished classrooms, Solar-Powered Electricity, Modern sick bay, an Assembly Hall, a standard Library and staff quarters.
Other facilities, according to him, include, Early Child Care Development Classes (ECCDC), a school field, and a security post that will checkmate the in and out of the pupils.
In a goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing & Urban Renewal, Rt. Hon. Henry Archibong, thanked Governor Umo Eno for improving the learning space for the children and described the Model School as an educational tourism asset. He donated a drum set for the school children.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem commended the governor’s bold investment in primary education, noting that the ARISE Model School in Afaha Itam has transformed the lives of the children from “village pupils to model pupils” and called on the people to safeguard the facilities from vandals.
Also the National Vice Chairman & Chairman South South, National School-Based Management Committee, Dr. Peter Umanah lauded the Governor for transforming the educational landscape of Akwa Ibom and setting a new benchmark in basic education infrastructure across Nigeria.