The Akwa Ibom State Government has restated its unwavering commitment to providing and advancing quality education, with Governor Umo Eno announcing that the administration’s investment in the sector is a cornerstone of its development agenda. The governor made the declaration on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the commissioning of a new, state-of-the-art Model Primary School at Ikot Isong, Etinan Local Government Area.

Represented by his Political Adviser, Prince Godwin Udeh, Governor Eno described the new institution as a benchmark for educational excellence and a significant step toward reducing rural-urban migration. He highlighted that the project is a tangible manifestation of his administration’s “ARISE Agenda,” which prioritizes education as a key driver of human and societal development.

“Governor Umo Eno is a visionary leader. This investment is exceptional,” said Prince Udeh, while detailing the cutting-edge amenities of the new school. The facility boasts a fully equipped computer lab, an on-site medical clinic, a 500-seat auditorium, a standard football field, and furnished apartments for staff, all designed to create a conducive and world-class learning environment.

The state’s commitment to education, which includes a long-standing policy of free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels, has reportedly yielded significant results. A recent report cited a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children in Akwa Ibom, placing the state well below the national average.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, who was present at the event, praised the governor’s foresight and vision. He affirmed that the administration’s model school initiative would soon be extended to secondary schools, with the aim of overhauling the educational landscape across all levels.

Mr. Uko Umoh, the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, lauded the governor as a “promise-keeper,” noting his swift return to the area to commission the school barely a month after unveiling the Ibom Paint Factory. He also announced a donation of 20,000 exercise books and 250 school uniforms for pupils in the council area, in support of the government’s initiatives.

The commissioning ceremony, which attracted prominent stakeholders and traditional rulers, served as a powerful reminder of the government’s focus not just on physical infrastructure but on securing a brighter future for the children of Akwa Ibom.