Akwa Ibom lawmaker, Kufreabasi Edidem, has pledged to partner the state government to improve science education in secondary schools.
Edidem, who is the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly and represents Itu State constituency, stated this during the grand finale of the maiden Arise Quiz competition tagged ‘The BRAINWAVE’ he organised for schools in his constituency, saying the competition has revealed some critical gaps that he would work towards addressing.
“This event has also revealed some critical gaps in students’ performance, especially in Agricultural Science and Biology, two subjects that are fundamental to our development as a people.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and a strategic pillar of the ARISE Agenda. Biology, on the other hand, is central to innovation in health, environment, and biotechnology.
“The performance gaps we observed signal a need for deliberate reawakening of interest in Agricultural Science in our secondary schools.
“Our young people must understand that agriculture is no longer limited to subsistence farming; it is now driven by technology, research, and innovation.
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“We must encourage them to embrace this field as a pathway to wealth creation, food security, and national growth,” he stated.
According to him, there is an urgent need to deploy more qualified Biology and Agricultural Science teachers to our schools, not only in Itu but across the state, adding that “as your representative, I will continue to advocate strongly for this within the appropriate government channels.
“We must also acknowledge, with concern, the state of some public schools within Itu Local Government Area.
“Several of these schools require immediate government intervention to improve their infrastructure, learning environment, and access to basic educational resources.
“I assure you that we will not relent in pushing for these interventions until the needed improvements are achieved.
He lauded the ongoing efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government involving the massive upscaling of infrastructure in public schools across the state.”
He said the new model schools, renovations, and instructional materials provided under the ARISE Agenda were clear evidence of a government committed to building a stronger future for our children as and we encourage the continuation of these transformative investments.
“As we close this chapter, let us look forward with excitement to Season 2 of “The Brainwave” coming up in the second quarter of next year, and it promises to be bigger, broader, and better. We will be expanding participation to accommodate more schools across Akwa Ibom State.
The deputy speaker called on all stakeholders, public and private, to join hands in deeper collaboration and partnership to encourage science education in schools.
“Together, we can build a generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders who will define the future of our dear state,” he said
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He congratulated every participating school, every teacher who has laboured tirelessly, and every student who stepped forward to test their strength. Whether you clinched a prize or not, you have proven that the future of Itu is bright, bold, and full of possibilities.
The Commissioner for Education, Ubong Umoh commended the deputy speaker for organizing the competition and announced ongoing efforts to improve facilities in all public schools in the state.
In the quiz competition, West Itam secondary came first while Monef high school, Ikot Ebom, Itam, came second and Word of Faith Secondary school, Enen Afaha came third .
The first prize winner went home with a cash of N1 million, the second place winner got N750,000 while the third place winner got N500,000.
In addition, all the participating schools and students received prizes including textbooks and laptops to aid them in their educational pursuits.
A retired secondary school principal from the community, E.J Utuk also announced an endowment for the best student student in a particular science subject while the local government also announced donations to all categories of the winners.
