By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board (AKSUBEB), Mr. Anietie Etuk, has highlighted improvements in teachers’ welfare, prompt processing of promotions, payment of 2026 leave grants and the distribution of textbooks to schools as part of efforts to strengthen basic education in the state.
Etuk hinted on Tuesday, when the 2026 NUJ Press Week Committee, led by its chairman, Comrade Gideon Ekere, paid him a courtesy visit ahead of its planned Union’s annual event scheduled to commence on November 29, 2026.
The Board chairman disclosed that the administration had addressed backlogs in the processing of staff entitlements, noting that applications for promotions and other benefits were now being handled promptly.
He recalled that some staff members previously experienced prolonged delays in the processing of promotions and entitlements, with some cases reportedly remaining unresolved for years.
Etuk said the situation had improved significantly, assuring that the Board was now up to date with its promotion obligations and was making efforts to ensure that teachers received their salaries and allowances as and when due.
He also disclosed that Akwa Ibom State was among the first states to pay the 2026 leave grants, describing the development as part of the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Beyond staff welfare, the AKSUBEB chairman said the Board was intensifying efforts to improve teaching and learning through the provision of a more conducive environment for teachers and pupils.
He listed the distribution of textbooks to schools and other interventions supported through counterpart funding arrangements among the measures being implemented to strengthen basic education.
Etuk emphasised that foundational education remained critical to the future of every child, noting that weaknesses at the early stages of learning could undermine subsequent educational development.
He assured that the Board would sustain its interventions to improve the quality of education and equip children with the knowledge and skills required for the future.
The AKSUBEB chairman said the Board recognised the strategic importance of the media in society and would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with journalists to promote public understanding of government policies and programmes.
According to him, journalism remains an important instrument for disseminating information, educating the public and communicating government activities to the people, adding that constructive criticism should be encouraged as a means of identifying shortcomings and improving service delivery.
He urged journalists to work collectively with public institutions, stressing that corrections and criticisms should be presented in ways that would promote understanding and provide practical solutions to identified challenges.
He reiterated that the Board remained committed to working with the media and other stakeholders to improve basic education and positively shape the future of children in the state.
Earlier, the chairman of the 2026 NUJ Press Week Committee, Comrade Gideon Ekere, said the visit was to appreciate Dr Etuk’s longstanding relationship with the media, recognise his contributions and seek his participation and support for the forthcoming Press Week.
Comrade Ekere, announced that the event would begin on Sunday, November 29, with a thanksgiving service at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, Ukana, Essien Udim, the hometown of the President of the Senate.
The programme would continue on Monday through Thursday with various activities before the grand finale on Saturday, featuring an awards presentation.
The committee chairman said the week-long programme was designed to provide journalists with opportunities to showcase their professional skills, promote camaraderie and celebrate the contributions of media practitioners to society.
He formally invited Dr. Etuk to participate in the activities and presented him with the official Press Week uniform as a symbol of appreciation and recognition of his relationship with the union.
