CSO Urges Akwa Ibom Assembly to Pass University of Education Bill
Uko Okon, Uyo
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Bill upgrading the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to a University.
CHRAN Director Otuekong Franklyn Isong made the plea during a press briefing in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday. He commended the House of Assembly for taking steps towards upgrading the College of Education to a University.
Isong said the organisation has been a vocal advocate for the upgrade, citing the institution’s potential to provide highly-trained manpower for the state’s education sector.
“The Akwa Ibom State College of Education has seen a significant decline in student enrollment for its National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme, from over 5,000 in the late 1990s to just 69 in the 2023/2024 session.
“The labour market no longer favours NCE graduates, and the institution’s internally-generated revenue has become too low for meaningful administration and academic progress”.
According to him, despite being empowered to award degrees, the College can only do so in affiliation with the University of Uyo, highlighting the need for autonomy.
Isong urged all stakeholders to support the Bill, emphasising its potential to boost the state’s education sector and align with the current administration’s ARISE Agenda.
He expressed optimism that with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly having organised a public hearing on the Bill, passage is eagerly anticipated.
