Last week, the Abuja Municipal Area Council named a crescent after Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno. The Chairman of AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu, praised the governor’s contributions to the area’s development, especially in construction, agriculture, and education sectors. The AMAC government is inspired to replicate Akwa Ibom’s achievements in Abuja, as mentioned by the Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties, Emmanuel Inyang.
The recent launch of 5000 cadets by the Akwa Ibom State governor to enhance local police efforts in combating crime sparked the creation of AMAC Marshals in Abuja. This initiative aims to gather intelligence from civilians to aid security agents in curbing insecurity.
During a press event, the Akwa Ibom delegation faced questions about the state’s education sector development. The government representative, Jeremiah Efeh, highlighted the ARISE agenda focusing on Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure Security, and Education.
The incident in Abuja reflects the governance fragmentation in Nigeria, hindering effective governance delivery. The lack of continuity and consistency in governance priorities poses risks to democracy, as described by scholar Richard H. Pildes.
Akwa Ibom’s history of educational transformation from being known for domestic servanthood to prioritizing education highlights the state’s progress. However, the deterioration of educational infrastructure over time calls for renewed focus on grassroots development.
Governance must prioritize educational development, as demonstrated by real-life stories like John Akpan’s journey from poverty to becoming a successful lawyer through educational support initiatives. Such narratives emphasize the fundamental role of education in societal advancement.
The need for sustainable educational models extends beyond individual states to the national level. Disparities between public and private schools in places like the Federal Capital Territory underscore the urgency of addressing educational inequalities across the country.