Embarrassed by an online video showing boarding students of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom LGA, being fed with what it called, “unpalatable and innutritous meals”, the Akwa Ibom State government has ordered investigation into the horrid situation.
In a press release dated 23rd November 2024, and signed by the Commissioner of Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, the State Government noted that the order to investigate the situation followed, “the very disturbing video.”
Etiebet said that in response to this, she “paid an unscheduled visit to the school”, where she directed “a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.”
In the said video, first posted online by a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, and later escalated by WatchmanPost on its Facebook page, the students were seen being served garri with what looked like coloured water passed off as soup.
The video has attracted thousands of reactions, most of which condemned the starvation meal those kids were being served.
Some netizens expressed the view that the poor meal may actually be a reflection of how little the students pay for it.
The press release stated further that “This review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.”
Mrs. Etiebet also announced “the immediate suspension of the Principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
She added, “We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.”
These school children being served food in a manner that starkly resembles prison conditions is barbaric. The children given large plates of eba with water for soup, a sight that is both pathetic and disheartening.
This incident raises serious concerns about the quality and dignity of school meals provided to our children.
The video depicts a scenario where children are treated more like prisoners than students. The food, served in large, unappetizing portions, lacks the basic elements of a nutritious and balanced meal.
This not only affects the physical health of the children but also their psychological well-being. The manner in which food is served can significantly impact a child’s perception of their environment and their self-worth.
Poor nutrition and inadequate meal presentation can lead to a host of problems, including
🎈malnutrition,
🎈decreased academic performance, and
🎈low self-esteem.
Children who are not provided with proper meals are less likely to concentrate in class and more likely to suffer from health issues.
The psychological impact of being treated in such a dehumanizing manner can also have long-term effects on their mental health.
The Need for Change:
It is imperative that we address this issue urgently.
Schools should be places where
🎈children feel safe,
🎈valued, and
🎈cared for.
Providing nutritious, well-presented meals is a fundamental part of this.
Authorities need to ensure that school meal programs are adequately funded and managed to provide healthy and appealing food to all students.
Final Thoughts:
The sight of children being served food like prisoners is a wake-up call for all of us.
We must advocate for better conditions in our schools to ensure that every child receives the dignity and care they deserve.
By improving school meal programs, we can help foster a healthier, more supportive learning environment for our children.
It’s truly heartbreaking 😭😭😭.
Is there a way for CSOs to monitor the conditions our children face, especially in boarding schools?
Where is the self-esteem and confidence of children who are treated like prisoners?
Their dignity and respect are stripped away by the way food is served to them. This needs to change