The Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, PhD, has announced plans to provide residential accommodation for teachers serving at the UBEC Smart School in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
Dr Etuk made the announcement on Monday, June 22, 2026, while receiving members of the School Based Management Committee of the institution during a courtesy visit to the SUBEB headquarters.
Speaking at the board’s conference room, the Chairman commended the committee for maintaining a productive relationship with SUBEB and supporting the effective management of the school.
He assured the delegation that the board would continue to fulfil its obligations toward strengthening the institution and improving the welfare of its teachers and pupils.
According to him, construction of teachers’ quarters will commence soon to address the accommodation challenges faced by staff posted to the school.
Dr Etuk disclosed that the first four teachers are expected to occupy separate one bedroom flats by September 2026, while another four residential units will be ready by December.
He explained that the accommodation would enable teachers to remain within the school premises during the working week and return to their respective homes at weekends.
The SUBEB Chairman praised the teachers for their commitment, resilience and contribution to the growth of the school. He also announced that the UBEC Smart School would be formally handed over to the Akwa Ibom State Government in September 2026.
Dr Etuk urged residents of Obio Akpa to regard the institution as a valuable community asset and take collective responsibility for protecting its infrastructure.
He particularly acknowledged the Community Liaison Officer, Hon. Aniekan Idiong, and other members of the community for safeguarding the facilities and preventing acts of vandalism.
The Chairman also commended the teachers and members of the SBMC for their enrolment campaign, which he said had contributed to an increase in pupil registration.
He encouraged the committee to remain united and work closely with the school management to attract more children into the institution while ensuring the protection and proper use of available facilities.
Addressing the board’s educational priorities, Dr Etuk said SUBEB was placing greater emphasis on practical and skills based learning rather than relying mainly on theoretical instruction and paperwork.
He said pupils should be equipped with relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that could help them establish small businesses and become economically productive while seeking formal employment opportunities.
Dr Etuk also congratulated pupils who emerged as winners at the recently concluded Basic Education Schools Sports Competitions.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Village Head of Ata Obio Akpa, Obong Elder Awo Moses Udo, and the Community Liaison Officer, Hon. Aniekan Idiong, thanked SUBEB for its interventions and continued support for the school.
They appealed to the board to deploy additional teachers to the institution to meet the demands created by the rising pupil population.
The community representatives pledged to continue working with the board and school authorities to protect the facilities, promote enrolment and support the development of the institution.
Members of the SBMC and the teaching staff also expressed appreciation to Dr Etuk and the board for granting them an audience and responding to issues affecting the school.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of cash rewards by the SUBEB Chairman to pupils who won medals at the recently concluded Basic Education Schools Sports Competitions.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr Roseline Mfon, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Dr Ntiedo Ekpo, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Asuquo Eyo, and the Director of Teachers Development Programme, Mrs Blessing Ibiam, among others.
