By Solomon Okpo.
When Akwa Ibom State embraced democracy in 1999, then-Governor Victor Attah introduced a free education policy for primary school pupils and students in Junior Secondary School (JSS 1-3). This initiative was later expanded by Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2007, making education free and compulsory for all students in public primary and secondary schools.
However, despite the government’s grand pronouncements, investigations reveal that true free education remains a mirage in the state.
Rather than receiving free education, students and their parents now bear the burden of numerous hidden fees imposed by school authorities. A key avenue of exploitation is the compulsory purchase of school uniforms, caps, socks, and customized attire for inter-house sports at exorbitant prices. Students unable to afford these items face various forms of punishment, contradicting the government’s claim of a tuition-free policy.
Additionally, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) are allegedly complicit in this exploitation. Reports indicate that these government agencies no longer supply continuous assessment record booklets to schools, forcing students to purchase them from school heads at inflated prices.
Investigations by The Evangelist News reveal that for over a decade, this illegal trade has persisted. Students in primary schools are forced to buy assessment booklets for ₦300 each, while their secondary school counterparts pay ₦750 per booklet. Several students confirmed to our reporters that failure to purchase these booklets results in their results being withheld. Shockingly, the booklets do not bear the expected “Not for Sale” label, raising concerns about accountability.
A retired principal, Mr. Godwin Etim, and a current school head, Mrs. Maria Ekpo, disclosed that the past administration under Governor Udom Emmanuel completely neglected the provision of these essential materials. Repeated appeals to the Ministry of Education for intervention reportedly fell on deaf ears, allowing SUBEB and SSEB officials to exploit the situation for financial gain.
“Instead of ensuring educational standards, these boards have become contractors, printing and selling booklets to public schools,” they lamented.
A serving headteacher and a principal corroborated these claims, admitting that they collect money from students and purchase the booklets directly from SUBEB and SSEB warehouses. They further revealed that school administrators earn commissions based on the number of booklets sold, turning education into a business venture rather than a public service.
Parents also decried the situation, noting that despite the supposed free education policy, they still have to buy assessment booklets, making education even more expensive than before the policy was introduced.
Educationist Dr. Samuel Ifiok criticized the practice, describing it as a major failure on the part of the government. He emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to provide free, standardized booklets to all schools, ensuring quality, uniformity, and integrity in the education system.
“The role of SUBEB and SSEB is to monitor and supervise education, not to engage in business ventures. Their deviation from their duties has led to a corrupt system where politicians lobby to be part of these boards for financial gains,” he added.
A serving principal disclosed that the Ministry of Education has submitted a proposal for high-quality assessment booklets to Governor Umo Eno for approval. If granted, this initiative could curb the ongoing exploitation and align with the governor’s ARISE Agenda on Educational Advancement.
Beyond the financial strain, the sale of assessment booklets poses a significant risk to the integrity of the education system. Since these booklets are available in bookstores, expelled students or those who fail exams can purchase them, forge results, and secure admission into new schools, undermining the credibility of academic records.
While the government continues to boast of its free and compulsory education policy, reality tells a different story. Until the authorities address these exploitative practices, provide essential learning materials, and enforce strict oversight, Akwa Ibom’s so-called free education will remain nothing more than a political slogan.
