The Akwa Ibom State government has suspended Nse Sunday Umoh, the Principal-General of Presbyterian Senior Science School, Ididep (PSSSI), over allegations of poor feeding conditions for boarding students.
A viral video, shared by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, sparked widespread outrage after revealing students being served inadequate meals consisting of watery soup and a solid starch base. Effiong, who verified the video, described the food as unfit even for animals and criticized the school’s dining facilities, likening them to a “concentration camp.” He called for immediate government intervention to address the situation.
Responding to the outcry, the Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, issued a statement announcing the principal’s suspension. The commissioner confirmed an unscheduled visit to the school and pledged a thorough investigation into the conditions at Presbyterian Senior Science College.
Etiebet also revealed plans to review the boarding facilities in the state’s 25 other boarding secondary schools. This move comes amid complaints of malnutrition, despite significant boarding fees paid by parents.
“Following the very disturbing video showing students being fed unpalatable and nutritionally inadequate meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, I directed an immediate investigation into the state of the school’s boarding facilities and those of other public boarding schools in the state,” the commissioner stated.
The incident has intensified calls for accountability and improved welfare standards in Akwa Ibom’s education sector.
