I’m The Only Governor That Paid WAEC N600m For Students Exams, Udom Emmanuel

Governor Udom Emmanuel has restated the commitment of his government to raise the quality of education in the state, asserting that he does not see funds spent on education as expense but rather he sees them investment.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel who insisted that education in Akwa Ibom remains free, hinted that about 600 million naira has been expended from his administration for the registration of candidates for the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The governor who was answering questions from newsmen at a media briefing over an allegation that the ministry of education at a recent summit had concluded plans to increase boarding fees on students, noted that the education summit was not to discuss school fees, but the quality of education and maintained that education at the basic level remains free and compulsory.

“We shouldn’t misinterpret intentions, because once you misinterpret intentions you tend to mislead people, the essence of the summit wasn’t to look at the cost, but to look at quality… cost only comes as an offshoot… Whatsoever I spend on education is an investment not an expense, so note that.”

He added that due to the current economic realities, there might be a slight increase in the cost of boarding fees for students as the government is poised to see that the quality of life in boarding schools are better improved in terms of food, health, and other basic amenities.

Governor Emmanuel maintained that the quality of education offered in Akwa Ibom state public schools can compete favourably with counterparts in the whole of Africa. He advised parents not to see the paltry increase as a measure of the government to swindle the masses, but as a means to improving the quality of life of teenagers who are in the boarding schools.

In his words, “Abiola said something before he died, he said if you think Education is expensive, try ignorance. If you think it is so much, because we want to introduce back morals into secondary schools. Bring all this pupils into school, where they can go to those morals, teach them those morals; these things play a role in their lifetime… “

“I don’t like the quality where under the auspices of cheap education, and then you cheapen the quality of those children’s lifestyle.”

He encouraged parents and caregivers to enrol their wards into the various public schools that exist in the state.​