…Assures Akwa Ibom Children of Greater Investment in Human Capital Development
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has transformed the 85-year-old school at Ikpe Mbak Eyop in Obot Akara Local Government Area into an ultra-modern Model Primary School as part of efforts to strengthen education and human capital development in the state.
The Governor, represented at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, September 7, 2026, by former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Uko, said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to providing Akwa Ibom children with quality learning environments.
Uko, who disclosed that he attended Primary Six at the school in 1980, expressed delight at witnessing its transformation from a community school into a modern educational facility.
He commended Governor Eno for the initiative, describing investment in education as an investment in the future of the state.
According to him, the school has the potential to produce future governors, legislators, doctors, engineers and other professionals who would contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom.
Uko also disclosed that Obot Akara had benefited from two Model Primary Schools within the year, in addition to other projects and appointments, making it the only local government area to have recorded such a feat so far.
Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Umoh, said the school represented another demonstration of Governor Eno’s innovative approach to governance and the implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
He explained that the institution was established by the Methodist Mission after a church was founded in the area in 1933, with the school established in 1939.
Following the transformation, the historic institution now boasts 17 fully furnished classrooms, additional classroom facilities, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre and a library.
The school is also equipped with solar-powered infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
The project further includes furnished residential accommodation for teachers and the head teacher, with essential household facilities, as well as perimeter fencing, a gate and security facilities.
The Commissioner added that green areas were incorporated into the school’s layout to provide pupils with a conducive, attractive and healthy learning environment.
He noted that the state government’s free and compulsory education policy also provides pupils with exercise books, school bags, shoes, socks and uniforms, helping to remove financial barriers and boost enrolment ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area, Hon. Simon Akpan, described the commissioning as another landmark achievement for the area.
Akpan commended Governor Eno for his frequent visits to the local government and disclosed that about 20 projects had been implemented in Obot Akara under the administration.
He also pledged the mobilisation of residents of the area in support of Governor Eno, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
In separate goodwill messages, the first elected female Chairman of Obot Akara, Mrs. Agnes Ewewen; former House of Representatives member and Founder of Rafia City Book Club, Abom Tony Esu; Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Hon. Patrick Umoh; and Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu, applauded Governor Eno’s efforts and pledged continued support for his administration.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, government officials, local government council chairmen, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, political appointees and other stakeholders from Obot Akara and across Akwa Ibom State.
The event featured the formal commissioning of the school and a welcome song performed by pupils of the newly transformed institution.
