Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Education to interface with the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, and the Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) on the current state of science laboratories in public secondary schools in the state.
The resolution was reached during Thursday’s plenary following a motion moved by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan, who raised concerns over the urgent need to equip and standardise science laboratories in public secondary schools across Akwa Ibom State.
Hon. Akpan argued that absence of functional laboratories in many public schools had contributed to the declining performance of students in examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council, National Examinations Council and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. He also noted that the situation has weakened students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses while widening the learning gap between public and private school students.
Following observations by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, and an intense debate by other lawmakers, including the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung (Etim Ekpo/Ika), Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), Hon. Dr. Itorobong Etim (Uruan) and Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini), the House stepped down further deliberation on the prayers of the motion pending the outcome of the committee’s report.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. ( Elder)Udeme Otong, subsequently mandated the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Mrs. Kenim Onofiok, to interface with the Education Commissioner and the SSEB Chairman and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action. The Speaker also directed the committee to engage the relevant authorities on the matter and brief the House on their findings for onward communication to Governor Umo Eno.
Meanwhile, the House has also mandated the Ministry of Tourism to immediately undertake the restoration of the historic Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi and directed its Committee on Tourism to ensure compliance with the resolution.
The directive followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Undertake the Restoration of the Amalgamation House at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area,” sponsored by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II and seconded by the member representing Urue-Offong/Oruko, Hon. Precious Selong.
Presenting the motion, Akpabio, noted that the Amalgamation House holds immense historical significance as the building where Frederick Lugard signed the document on January 2, 1914, formally merging the Northern and Southern Protectorates to create modern-day Nigeria. He further stated that the facility later served as the venue where the ceasefire that ended the Nigerian Civil War was signed in January 1970.
The lawmaker expressed concern that despite its national historical value and tourism potential, the facility has fallen into serious disrepair, describing it as abandoned with deteriorating structures and an overgrown environment.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers including Hon. Ubong Attah (Ibesikpo Asutan), Hon. Uduak Ekpo Ufot (Etinan), Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom) and Dr. Itorobong Etim (Uruan) emphasised that restoring the landmark would enhance tourism development in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Ruling on the motion, Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok to communicate the resolution of the Assembly to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
Press Unit,
Office of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA).
5th March 2026.
