Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, says his administration’s state of emergency in the education sector will drive the comprehensive rehabilitation of public secondary schools, including the provision of teachers’ quarters and critical infrastructure to improve teaching conditions and learning outcomes.
Eno who announced this at St. Francis Secondary School, Eket, described the provision of staff accommodation as a key policy objective of his administration’s education-sector intervention.
The Governor spoke at a special ceremony organised by the school’s alumni association to celebrate his former French teacher, Mr Agbor Moore, a Cameroonian, for his decades of sacrifice, dedication and positive influence on generations of students.
Recalling how Moore lived in the school’s staff quarters while teaching him about 50 years ago, the Governor said the arrangement enabled the teachers to concentrate on their work, build meaningful relationships with students and etch a lasting impact on their lives.
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“Mr Moore taught us French about 50 years ago, and he lived in the teachers’ quarters. That’s one of the things we intend to achieve with the state of emergency in the education sector. We are going to extend staff quarters to our secondary schools,” he said.
Eno recalled that teacher Moore introduced him to French and instilled in him valuable social discipline, stressing that teachers deserved to be celebrated while alive.
“Teachers’ rewards should start here on earth. We thank you for teaching us French and the discipline instilled in us. I am happy that you are alive and strong. I pray that God will continue to bless and keep you in good health,” he noted.
The Governor commended the St Francis Alumni association for recognising a teacher whose influence had endured long after his students left the classroom.
Responding, Moore described the gesture as a powerful demonstration of humility, gratitude and respect for the teaching profession.
“In a world where many forget so soon, you have remembered the path through which you passed. You have honoured not only me, but the entire teaching profession. You have shown that time cannot erase the bond between a good teacher and his student,” he said.
Moore also commended the administration’s support for small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs, provision of compassionate homes for vulnerable people, prompt payment of workers’ and retirees’ entitlements, and efforts to sustain peace across the state.
Stakeholders from Eket, including the Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; Professor Etie Ben Akpan; and the Clan Head of Okon, HRH Akpabio Ekpoton, applauded the Governor for honouring his former teacher and acknowledged development projects in the area and the State.
They expressed support for Eno’s re-election bid, while the President of St. Francis Alumni Association, Mr Sam Uko, thanked the Governor for recognising one of the school’s former educators.
Eno also appreciated National Youth Service Corps members serving at the school and commiserated with them over the death of an Akwa Ibom corps member who served in Enugu.
He urged corps members to prioritise their health and seek medical assistance when necessary, noting that the state operates a 24-hour emergency ambulance service.
The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters; members of the State Executive Council; captains of industry; and other government officials.
