The Akwa Ibom State Government has frowned at unauthorized levies and fees purportedly imposed on pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools in the State.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet stated this in an interview with Journalists over the weekend, shortly after the independence day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
According to the Commissioner, several reports have been brought to her notice and accordingly, the investigative team from her office had long swing into action. She however, reassured that on conclusion of all Investigations, all erring school heads and Principals will be sanctioned accordingly.
Etiebet who reiterated that Education is free and compulsory in all public Primary and Secondary Schools in the state, cautioned those Head Teachers and Principals who are bent on sabotaging the State Government’s effort to desist from such actions.
According to the Education Boss, the massive rehabilitation of dilapidated structures in public schools, ongoing fencing projects, Prompt payment of WAEC fees, payment of subvention, recruitment of teachers, prompt payment of Teachers salaries, amongst others, are clear justification that Education remains a priority in the Governor Emmanuel’ completion agenda. She called on Teachers to compliment the state Government’s effort by discharging their responsibilities in line with the government’s Education policies.
Meanwhile, Parents and Guardians have again been advised to report all illegal charges and irregularities in public schools to the Akwa Ibom State Government through educationmonitoring1@gmail.com or 09035734549 and 07010293974 (WhatsApp and SMS only).
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Beyond bribery and embezzlement of funds, nepotism and the subsequent display of incompetence by some political office holders have been identified as two of the strongest drivers of corruption in Nigeria.Mr ETANNIBI ALEMIKA, a professor of Criminology and Sociology of law at the University of Jos, believes that sacrificing competence on the altar of nepotism is the bane of corruption and its attendant effects.He stated this in his lecture on National Security and the Opportunity Cost of Corruption at the two-day capacity building retreat of the Independent Corruption and Other Related Offences Commission -ICPC in Uyo.Professor ALEMIKA questioned the effectiveness of the Federal Character Commission in the selection of candidates for political appointments and urged the national assembly to rise to the occasion.The Federal Character Commission created by decree in 1996 primarily to implement and enforce the Federal Character Principle aims at ensuring fair representation of all states in the public service.On the sidelines of the event, the chairman, house committee on anti-corruption, SHEHU GARBA told Inspiration FM that it is expedient for citizens to join the national assembly and other actors in the war against corruption.The ICPC chairman, Professor BOLAJI OWASANOYE also told Inspiration FM that the retreat focused on the relationship between crypto-currency and corruption and the need for legislation to regulate the practice. Our correspondent OKODI OKODI reports that the retreat featured discussions on various topics, including public service and integrity, illicit financial flows and understanding crypto-currency, money laundering and terrorists financing threats.
The word “eye-opening” does not do justice to the loads of information and knowledge shared at an event organized to train journalists and budding ones on the need to keep up with latest trends in the journalism profession.
The one-day training titled “skill-up: a journalism workshop” was organized by broadcast journalist and Inspiration FM acting head of news, IMA DEM in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Akwa Ibom state Chapter and Inspiration FM
The training brought to the fore and unearthed salient issues pertaining to the Journalism profession which most people in the space are unaware of, but are critical factors needed to stand out in the profession, in the 21st century.
Speaking on the topic, “building tenacity in journalism”, award winning journalist and bestselling author, ANIETIE USEN harped on the need for personnel in the field to exude hard work and remain focused on the job.
Meanwhile, Niger state based journalist, JUSTINA ASISHANA who joined the training virtually, exposed the attendees to the evolution of the profession and why journalists must stay relevant in the field by investing in some digital skills.
She maintained that investing in some of these basic skills will open a variety of opportunities for journalists and make them stand out in the profession.
Other speakers at the event include NAWOJ chairperson, UDUAK EKONG, who emphasized that female journalists must try to inspire young girls by telling stories of women who have excelled in their career irrespective of gender and against stereotypes.
