We Are Building Not jJust Classrooms, But Centers of Creativity and Skill- Gov Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno says his ongoing Model Secondary Schools initiative in the state is a cornerstone of his vision to redefine learning by integrating academic excellence with technical and vocational training.
Speaking during an inspection visit to one of the flagship Model Secondary School projects sites in Ikot Akpan Abia, Nsit Ubium on Monday, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational transformation under the ARISE Education Renewal Initiative.
“This project represents our vision of a new learning environment and quality education that meets global standards. We are building not just classrooms, but centers of creativity and skill,” the Governor stated.
Governor Eno announced that construction will commence immediately following the approval of the supplementary budget, with multiple contractors being engaged to ensure timely delivery and foster community participation.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing local contractors and labour, calling on interested parties to register through the State Employment Portal to ensure a transparent and inclusive hiring process.
The Governor listed the school’s key features, which are designed to be polytechnical in nature to include; specialized skill acquisition centers for ICT, catering, metalworks, and entrepreneurship center.
“We want our secondary schools to be polytechnical in nature so that by the time our students gain admission into the university, they already have something to support themselves,” he explained.
speaking further on the school’s self-sufficiency and practical learning focus, Governor Eno says he has allocated 10 hectares of land for a model school farm. This initiative, he said will support agricultural training and sustainability programs for students.
Setting a clear timeline, the Governor confirmed the school is scheduled for completion and will be ready to welcome its first intake of students by September 2026.
He also announced that similar flagship Model Secondary Schools of international standard will be established in the Ikot Ekpene and Eket senatorial districts to ensure equitable access to quality education across the state.
He used the occasion to reveal that the State Government is currently collating data on schools with significant infrastructure challenges in preparation for a comprehensive renovation programme set to begin in the coming weeks.
In his remarks, Senator Effiong Bob commended the Governor for siting the project in Nsit Ubium, describing it as a demonstration of visionary leadership.
“This shows that charity indeed begins at home,” Senator Bob said, while appealing to community youths to cooperate with contractors to ensure the project’s smooth and timely execution.