The Akwa-Ibom State government has suspended Nse Sunday Umoh, the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, over poor feeding of boarding students in the hostel.
SaharaReporters had reported that a disturbing video surfaced online and sparked outrage over the deplorable feeding conditions at the Presbyterian Senior Science School Ididep (PSSSI) in the state.
The video, shared by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, on Friday, shows students being served a meagre and unappetising meal consisting of watery soup and solid food to eat with it.
The viral footage prompted widespread condemnation, with Effiong calling on the Akwa Ibom State government to intervene and address the situation.
He emphasised that the students deserve better and should not be subjected to such inhumane treatment.
Effiong, who said he has verified the authenticity of the video insisted that even dogs shouldn’t be fed the food given to the students in the video.
“The dining hall looks like a concentration camp,” he lamented, calling on education authorities to take immediate action.
Reacting in a press statement issued during the weekend, the state Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, announced the immediate suspension of the school principal.
The commissioner added that officials of the ministry would pay an unscheduled visit to the public school following an outcry from students against malnutrition, despite a huge amount of money paid as boarding fees to the school management.
The statement reads, “Following the very disturbing video showing students being fed unpalatable and innutricious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school. I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.
“This review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board. Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the Principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Despite the fact that the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.
“We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to fulfill basic parental responsibilities by supporting their children in secondary schools.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.
“We urge the public to remain patient while this investigation lasts. The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, remains unwavering in his commitment to education, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.”