Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Thursday 3rd March, 2016, approved a loan facility of N1.9 Billion for the state government to enable it meet her counterpart funding obligation to the Universal Basic Education Programme of the Federal Government .
The approval is sequel to a request sent to the House by Governor Udom Emmanuel, who in his message, prayed the lawmakers’ intervention to enable the state enjoy the assistance of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, in the area of infrastructural development in the education sector.
With the House of Assembly’s approval of the governor’s request, Akwa Ibom State will enjoy a N3.8 Billion investment and intervention in the Basic Education System, as the funds will be channeled into the provision of basic infrastructures lacking in Public Primary School across the state.
The House leader and member representing Oruk Anam state constituency, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan while leading the debate on the floor of the House on the loan request, , intimated his colleagues that UBE is a national programme which has over the years ensured that funds are set aside by both the 36 states of the federation and the federal government for infrastructural projects in public schools as such, the Akwa Ibom State should not be left behind .
According to him, “The matching grant from the federal government that will be released is not a loan, but a grant which will help boost infrastructural development in public primary schools in the state’’
He argued that it is the duty of government to provide infrastructure in all public schools in the state and expressed optimism that the approval of the governor’s request by the Assembly would further boost the free and compulsory education programme of Government.
In their separate contributions at the floor of the House , the Chief Whip and member for Ini state constituency , Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong; member for Ibiono Ibom, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon;member for Ikono, Rt.Hon Victory Bassey, among others commended the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his interest in the development of education sector, noting that it was in the best interest of the state for the governor’s request to be given speedy attention by the House to facilitate the boosting of the free and compulsory education programme of government.
At the end of the debate, lawmakers unanimously approved the loan request following a motion moved by the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian, and seconded by Hon. Nse Essien, the Deputy chief whip and member for ONNA state constituency.
The speaker, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke in his reaction commended the lawmakers for their patriotism, and commitment to the betterment of the education sector in the state, saying the legislature remains committed and ready to provide necessary legislative support that would guarantee a bright future for Akwa Ibom Children at all times.
AKHA APPROVES GOV UDOM’S N1.9BN LOAN REQUEST
