A/Ibom Deputy Speaker Decries Collapse of Teaching, Learning in State
The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, has decried the collapse of teaching and learning infrastructure in several schools across the state.
He made this known while launching a quiz competition designed to promote academic excellence among children, whom he described as the future leaders of the society.
Hon. Edidem expressed deep concern over the deteriorated state of educational facilities, lamenting that such neglect has contributed to the poor performance recorded by some students during the competition.
He cited, with dismay, a particular secondary school which failed to answer a single question throughout the brain-teasing exercise.
The lawmaker, who represents Itu State Constituency, assured that he would initiate an investigation into the school’s performance to identify the root causes of the problem and ensure they are addressed.
Edidem spoke during an interview with journalists at the Ikot Ndem Civic Centre, Urua Ekpa axis of Itu Local Government Area, shortly after the “BrainWaves” quiz competition for secondary schools.
He said:“There is a particular school in Itu where I believe a state of emergency should be declared. This school came for the competition with their three best students—students who are preparing for the West African Examination Council—yet they could not answer a single question in three subjects. A state of emergency should be declared on that school.”
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that not every challenge should be left to the government alone, adding that he would work with the council chairman to explore possible interventions.
“We have taken note of the situation, and we cannot leave everything to the government. As representatives, we will look into it. I have spoken with the council chairman, and we will investigate the root causes,” he assured.
He also expressed concern over the students’ performance gaps in critical subjects such as Agricultural Science and Biology. While students showed strong performance in Mathematics, Physics, and other subjects, he described the weaknesses in Agriculture and Biology as alarming, given their importance to the state’s development.
According to him:“This event has revealed critical gaps in students’ performance, especially in Agricultural Science and Biology—two subjects fundamental to our development as a people. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a strategic pillar of the ARISE Agenda, while Biology is central to innovation in health, the environment, and biotechnology.”
He further stressed that these gaps highlight the need to rekindle students’ interest in agriculture, noting that modern agriculture is driven by technology, research, and innovation.
“The performance gaps signal a need for deliberate reawakening of interest in Agricultural Science in our secondary schools. Our young people must understand that agriculture has moved beyond subsistence farming. It is now a pathway to wealth creation, food security, and national growth.”he said.
Hon. Edidem emphasized the need to deploy more qualified Biology and Agricultural Science teachers not only in Itu LGA but across the state, promising to champion the advocacy through the appropriate government channels.
At the end of the quiz competition, West Itam Secondary School emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of N1 million. Monef Secondary School came second with N700,000, while Words of Faith School took third place with a cash prize of N500,000.
