NUT, ANCOPSS, AOSPHON Praise Gov. Eno for N1.2B WASSCE, CASS Fees, Subvention Payment

Governor Umo Eno's approval for the disbursement of a whopping N1.2Billion for payment of the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for exiting students, Continuous Assessment (CASS) for SS 1,2,3 and subvention to public primary and secondary school heads, has garnered commendations from education stakeholders in Akwa Ibom.

Recall that a few days ago, Governor Eno released 50 percent of the required 1.4 Billion Naira by WAEC as part payment for students who are taking their final exams in the State.

Among the top brass that sent their messages of felicitations to the State Chief Executive for his altruistic leadership were the State chapters of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Association of all Primary School Head-Teachers of Nigeria (AOSPHON).

The State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Edet Emenyi, President of ANCOPSS in the State, Mr. Steve Akpabio, and AOSPHON's leader, in their separate messages, expressed appreciation to the Governor. They noted that while some State Governments in the country had withdrawn their support after WAEC increased the payment from N18,000 per student to N27,000, Governor Umo Eno remained steadfast, shouldering the burden and ensuring the payment to alleviate parents' concerns.

They recalled how Governor Eno, upon assuming office, made an unprecedented payment of the subvention for the new term even before the official commencement date of that term.

The trio of educational bodies noted that the people of Akwa Ibom did not make a mistake in voting massively for Pastor Eno during last year's Governorships election.

While emphasizing the Governor's dedication to educational progress in the State through his ARISE Agenda, the NUT, ANCOPSS, and AOSPHON leaders, noted that, at this juncture, Pastor Eno requires collective support to establish Akwa Ibom as a hallmark of educational excellence on the world map, in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The education stakeholders recalled the Governor's additional substantial investments in education, such as clearing the backlog of outstanding payments owed to Heads of Schools and the release of over 1 Billion Naira for gratuities to primary school teachers in the state during 100 days in office of Pastor Eno. They emphasized that these actions further underscore the Governor's commitment to enhancing education.

Education Union leaders also used the opportunity to pass a vote of confidence on the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet for her dedication and commitment to her duties as well as her conscientious efforts to translate the vision of Pastor Umo Eno in the Education sector.

They observed that Mrs. Etiebet's humble disposition and diligent efforts in her Ministry have led to improved educational outcomes for students in the State, adding that our Wards are now achieving excellent results in their academic pursuits.

In recognition of these commendable strides and Governor Umo Eno's commitment to prioritizing education, the NUT, ANCOPSS, and AOSPHON expressed unwavering support for the ARISE agenda.

They emphasized that sustained collaboration between the government and the education sector will keep Akwa Ibom at the forefront of attention.

Meanwhile, our reporter gathered from the Ministry of Education that the disbursements of the WASSCE fees and subvention to public primary and secondary school heads, among others, will take place from Monday through the appropriate channels.