LEGISLATURE

AKHA COMMITTEE HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING TO ESTABLISH AKS UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, AFAHA NSIT


By Julius Nsikak - Explicit Magazine

February 26, 2025

Hon. Onofiok, Chairman, AKHA Committee on Education 


From the outside, the State Assembly's Complex was a hub of activity, with every available parking space occupied by cars, tricycles, and other vehicles. Upon entering, the old chapel of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was packed to capacity, filled with a large turnout of public hearers eager to witness, listen, and participate in the public hearing of the State House of Assembly Committee on Education.


For those who missed the gathering, the public hearing focused on a bill proposing the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, including provisions for its administration and related matters. The event was deemed highly enlightening, offering valuable insights and shedding light on both familiar and unfamiliar trends. Notably, this marked the first ever public hearing organised by the education committee of the state assembly, underscoring the committee's commitment to transparency and public engagement.


The public hearing which brought together lawmakers, professors, royal fathers, various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society groups, and notable individuals, took place Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Uyo. It was primarily designed to create a window of opportunity for the public to share their views and as well contribute to the bill.


The bill, originally coined as "A Bill For A Law To Provide For The Establishment Of The Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit, seems to come at a profound time to upgrade the institution's status that has over time been a source of concern for Akwa Ibom people, with its ongoing situation being particularly worrisome.


It is worth noting that the bill, sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Nsidibe Akata, representing Eket State Constituency with co-sponsors, after passing its second reading a few weeks ago was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. (Chief) Kenim Onofiok, for thorough scrutiny. The bill has now advanced to the public hearing stage.


Addressing participants, the Speaker, represented by Rt. (Hon.) Oto-Obong Bob, while commending the chairman of the assembly's education committee and other members of the committee for putting up the public hearing before long, emphasised that the bill will create an apex educational system in the state, producing teachers who can compete nationally and internationally.


He put it clear that the exercise was a democratic norm to give the general public opportunity to share their opinions and prospectives in order to enhance effective legislation, reiterating the legislature's  commitment to amplifying the governor's objective in advancing education in the state.


According to the speaker, the bill aims to promote qualitative and quantitative education, and a catalyst of positive change, mentioning that it will also encourage the advancement of learning.


In her remark, Hon. (Chief) Kenim Onofiok noted that the bill not only upgrades the College of Education, Afaha Nsit to a degree-awarding institution but also invests in the state's future and Nigeria's development. 


Hon. Onofiok who is also the  member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, stated that the bill is a milestone in the legislature's effort to support the mission and vision of Pastor Umo Eno's administration, educational development and advancement being a crucial sector in the ARISE Agenda blueprint.


"The Akwa Ibom State College of Education, established in 1991 to replace the Teachers Training College, which earlier existed for the training of Grade II teachers now deserves to be upgraded to a university in order to be able to produce the human resources that can favourably compete in the modern day labour market," she added.


Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien stressed the need to upgrade the state's college of education to a university of education, saying it will raise the state's education standard to meet global expectations and more.


The newly inaugurated commissioner, urged the assemblymen to facilitate the passage of the bill into law in order to reset the state's education sector for the good of all.


The Provost of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Prof. Daniel Udo, emphasised the key benefits of establishing the university, including the utilization of existing facilities, provision of specialised facilities for teacher training, and creation of opportunities for lecturers to advance their educational careers. 


According to him, by harnessing existing resources, the university aims to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and offer diploma certificates, thereby enhancing the quality of education in the state.


Other stakeholders in their respective presentation aired their views and contributed to the bill.

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