Akwa Ibom State government has pegged the maximum admission age into state owned secondary schools at 12 years in a bid to curtail growing incidence of cultism in the state.
It has also recalled a final year student of the state owned University, Iniobong Ekpo , who was dismissed by the school management for criticising the handling of students affairs in the school by a former Vice Chancellor.
These were part of the resolutions reached at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Udom Emmanuel on Thursday and contained in a statement issued by information commissioner Barr In Ememobong on Thursday in Uyo.
“Since education is free in the state, the maximum age for admission into secondary schools has been pegged at 12 years, to curb the cultism surge in secondary schools since investigation has revealed that the surge is caused mainly by overaged students who are on a mission of mass recruitment of students into cult groups.
” However, any student above this age with a genuine reason, will have their parents sign an undertaking of good behaviour, before their admission.
“The Governor also informed that the Ikot Oku Ikono flyover will be commissioned on July 16 while Exco reviewed the AKSU expulsion case of Iniobong Ekpo and directed the University to immediately recall the said student.
“Exco also declared August 21, 2021 as the state coconut day, when 300,000 nuts will be planted to boost coconut production in preparation for the start of operation of the coconut oil refinery.” The statement said.
It further stated that the Governor expressed worry over the worsening economic situation in the country and assured that more industries would soon birth in the state to help reduce unemployment and boost local economy.
