The Acting Provost of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Dr. Jeremiah Peter Iweh, has described Governor Umo Eno’s investment in education as one of his most defining achievements of this administration, noting that the impact is visible across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.
Dr. Iweh spoke with journalists in Uyo after attending an education stakeholders’ meeting, where he reflected on what he called a deliberate and quiet transformation of the sector. He thanked the Governor for upgrading the college to a university and pleaded for a far track of the transition process.
According to him, the Governor has changed the status of education in Akwa Ibom through reforms and financial commitments that directly touch pupils, students, teachers, and institutions.
He pointed to sustained funding for state-owned tertiary institutions, the strengthening of free basic education, construction and equipping of model schools with basic facilities across the 31 local government areas, payment of bursaries and a dedicated trust fund for students with disabilities, clearance of backlog of pensions and gratuities, wardrobe allowances for teachers, improved subventions to schools and payment of examination fees.
His words: “Education anchors every other pillar of the ARISE Agenda; agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure maintenance and security management. All of them are built on knowledge. When you invest in education, you secure the future of every other sector. His Excellency the Governor understands this. He is a thoroughbred and well-schooled leader, and that is why he has given the sector priority attention.”
Responding to questions on his stewardship barely four months in office, the Ikono Local Government Area-born educationist said he keyed into the Governor’s reform-driven approach from day one. He recalled convening a solemn assembly that filled the College mini-theatre to capacity, dedicating the institution and its activities to God, a symbolic fresh start that, according to him, set the tone for stability.
Dr. Iweh identified the restoration of peace within the College community as his greatest achievement so far. After nearly five years of union-related crisis, he said his administration reconciled the three campus unions; COEASU, SSUCOEN and NASU alongside the Management, creating an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.
With stability restored, the College successfully held its matriculation ceremony on December 19, 2025, conducted both NCE and Degree examinations for first semester 2025/2026 academic session without disruption, fast-tracked internal road works now ready for tarring, one hundred percent increment in the salaries of all casual workers and oversaw the alumni elections which produced a new executive in December, after five years of crisis.
“Nothing would have been possible without peace,” he said, expressing appreciation to the leadership of the three unions for what he described as uncommon support and unity of purpose.
Dr. Iweh maintained that the progress recorded at the College reflects the broader educational renewal taking place across the state under Governor Eno’s leadership. He assured that his administration would remain guided by loyalty, accountability and humility, pledging to act always in the best interest of the institution and future generations.
