By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Akwa Ibom government has commended a traditional ruler, Etteidung Edet Okon for the capture of vandals who attempted to vandalize facilities in a government owned primary school in his domain. Okon, who is the Village Head of Ikot Ekpene village in Ikot Ekpene Local Council was said to have exhibited vigilance and patriotism, resulting in the apprehension of culprits who attempted to vandalize facilities at Methodist Central School, Anwa Udo Akai.
Education Commissioner, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet gave the commendation at an event organized by the State Ministry of Education for the distribution of free ARISE branded exercise books for pupils public primary schools in Ikot Ekpenr Senatorial District yesterday .
Etiebet charged stakeholders and leaders across the state to take extra measures to support Government’s investments in the sector, since the duty of safeguarding amenities in their respective communities.
The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Stella Etukakpan reiterated Governor Umo Eno’s intolerance to illegal charges by head teachers of public schools and pleaded with the various head teachers and administrators to avoid placing levies on the notebooks or for any other purpose.
“Do not levy your pupils, If you are caught you will not only refund the money but you will be disciplined in line with the public service rules. The Government wants these books to reach the intended children for effective learning.
“I also want to admonish all head teachers to report early for school. When you are the head teacher and you go to school late your teachers will be late which is not in line with the Governor’s plan for Education”.
The royal father had earlier said that the hoodlums apprehended were appropriately handed over to the police but appealed for a perimeter fence for the school in order to discourage hoodlums from accessing the school properties.
