The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, has praised Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda for driving notable improvements in the state’s basic education sector, pointing to expanded infrastructure, enhanced teacher welfare and access to quality education in communities.
Speaking on Team Nigeria Classic June 9, 2026, Rt. Hon. Etuk explained that the various reforms have begun to yield measurable outcomes across most of the public schools in the state, reflecting what he described as a deliberate approach and structured effort to strengthen the state’s education system through sustained government intervention.
He also explained that SUBEB has remained committed to implementing the administration’s educational blueprint since his assumption of office, adding that the focus has been on translating policy direction into practical results.
“We are doing our best to add value, he said, noting that the reforms are anchored on improving learning outcomes and accountability.
According to him, the administration has prioritized teachers’ welfare through the clearance of outstanding grants, pensions and gratuities to the tune of N28 billions, as well as timely promotions.
He added that teachers in the state currently earn 25% more than other civil servants, while continuous training, retraining and the recruitment and strategic deployment especially to rural areas are core.
Etuk however highlighted infrastructure renewal as one of the most visible areas of progress under the ARISE Agenda, with ongoing rehabilitation of some schools across the 31 local government areas of the state.
Noting that prior attention is given to dilapidated classrooms in rural communities, alongside efforts to ensure schools provide conducive environments for effective teaching and learning.
He further disclosed that the state’s recognized 1,168 public schools currently benefit from a range of interventions, including provision of electricity, potable water and other essential facilities.
In his remarks, “The state government is also strengthening library services in these schools and equally expanding ICT infrastructure to align learning with modern educational demands.”
On funding, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk noted that the governor has released not less than N10 billion counterpart funding in past three years, enabling Akwa Ibom to access matching grants and intervention funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), describing the funding support as central to sustaining ongoing reforms and project delivery.
The Chairman of the board also commended the growing role of partnerships, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from organisations and individuals, which he said have complemented government efforts in improving school infrastructure and service delivery across the state.
