Akwa Ibom awards ₦79m to aviation students

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, has praised former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s significant contributions to the education sector, refuting recent negative reports and commending current Governor Umo Eno for his continued support.

In a recent ceremony, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet presented cheques totalling ₦79 million to four Akwa Ibom indigenes who have been admitted to the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. She took the opportunity to address and dismiss false allegations published by a local newspaper, which claimed she criticised the former governor’s educational efforts.

“Two days ago, a newspaper, ‘The Mail,’ alleged that I criticised the previous administration’s performance in the education sector. I want to categorically state that I never granted such an interview. Our office, including my Permanent Secretary and information officers, had no interaction with any media house regarding this issue,” Mrs Etiebet clarified.

Mrs Etiebet highlighted Governor Emmanuel’s achievements, including granting scholarships to indigent students, subsidising school fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, and sponsoring students in specialised fields such as maritime safety, aviation, and meteorological studies. She emphasised the improvements in the state’s educational infrastructure, which led to the restoration of accreditation for various courses in state-owned institutions.

The Commissioner also lauded Governor Umo Eno, describing him as “Mr Compassionate” for his dedication to advancing education in the state. She announced that Governor Eno has paid N79 million for the tuition fees of the four aviation students.

“It is because of the Governor’s big-heartedness that we are here today. We need to have our own pilots and air controllers, especially as we have the best and only state-owned airline in Africa,” she said.

The beneficiaries of this generous support are Wilson Ezekiel Wilson, Daniel Priscilla Samuel, Edna Emem Akpan, and Udourom Michael Patrick, who are enrolled in standard pilot and air traffic control courses.

Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Service, recounted how Governor Eno was moved by a viral video from Priscilla Daniel, prompting him to take compassionate action. He urged the students to study hard and become good ambassadors of the state.

Priscilla Daniel, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to Governor Eno for making her dreams a reality. “Being in aviation school will enlighten the girl child in my state and encourage them to pursue their dreams,” she said.

Wilson Ezekiel’s father, Barr. Ezekiel Akpan, shared the challenges faced in securing support but expressed his gratitude for the eventual assistance. He prayed for blessings on Governor Eno, his wife, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, and for the success of the students in their aviation careers.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Stella Etokakpan; the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Humanitarian Service, Emem Essien; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso; and other dignitaries.