By Admin
The Akwa Ibom State Government has called on the Federal Government to scale up its support for the development of tertiary institutions across the State, even as it continues to make strategic investments in primary and secondary education.
The appeal came during a high-level engagement between the State Government and the Board of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which was in Uyo to commission landmark projects at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).
Speaking during the courtesy visit on Tuesday, by the TETFund delegation led by its Chairman, Bello Masari, to Government House, Uyo, Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing it as a cornerstone of the State’s ARISE Agenda.
The Governor noted that while his administration has made significant investments in primary education including the construction of model schools in all 31 local government areas , plans are underway to replicate similar models at the secondary level.
“We will continue to focus on education as a critical component of the ARISE Agenda. We’ve built model primary schools across the State and equipped them with uniforms, books, shoes, and bags to support pupils.
“The next phase is launching model secondary schools, and we welcome further Federal Government support to elevate our tertiary institutions.”-He statetd
He commended TETFund for its sustained interventions in Akwa Ibom, particularly at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), where several infrastructure projects have been delivered.
Governor Eno also thanked Udoma Udo, former Pro-Chancellor of AKSU, for his contributions to educational development in the State, describing him as a “perfect gentleman with enduring legacies.”
In his remarks, TETFund Chairman and former Katsina State Governor, Bello Masari, said the Board was in Akwa Ibom to commission multiple projects at AKSU, expressing satisfaction with the quality of delivery and the hospitality received.
“We are even more delighted than the beneficiary institution to see these projects completed and in use,” Masari said, announcing that the TETFund Board has resolved to host its annual retreat in Akwa Ibom State.
AKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien, listed commissioned projects to include new faculty buildings for Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Management Sciences, and Phase One of the Faculty of Engineering.
He expressed optimism that the visit would deepen collaboration and attract more interventions from TETFund.
The visit was attended by top TETFund board members and AKSU officials, including Deputy Vice Chancellors, the Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and Heads of campus.
