The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the upgrading of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education.
This key decision, reached during the Council’s regular meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, aligns with the Human Capital Development component of the administration’s ARISE Agenda and is intended to directly improve the standard and quality of teacher education in the state.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Pastor Umo Eno saw the Council consider and approve several significant resolutions affecting governance, the justice system, and the health sector.
The Governor, in his opening address, welcomed members and charged them to remain committed to service delivery and loyalty for the full realization of the ARISE Agenda.
In a major move to boost justice and social welfare, the Council approved the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender under the Ministry of Justice. This new office is mandated to provide free legal representation to indigent residents and ensure they receive fair treatment under the law.
The goal is to reduce the number of suspects detained without trial, protect the rights of the vulnerable, and promote comprehensive justice sector reforms.
The Council reviewed the progress report from the inter-ministerial committee on the State of Emergency in the Health Sector and approved an aggressive timeline for interventions. These include the immediate recruitment of doctors and medical professionals, an increase in special peculiar allowances for medical personnel, and the implementation of the skipping policy in the health sector.
The Council also set a two-week deadline for the evaluation and completion of Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for the first phase of rehabilitation of selected hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, with infrastructure work scheduled to begin by November 1. Other approvals include a Health Sector Stakeholders Dialogue scheduled for early November, and the official commissioning of the General Hospital, Ukanafun, on November 10, 2025.
To enhance administrative efficiency and resolve areas of overlap, Governor Eno approved the composition of a special committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, to realign and update ministerial responsibilities.
The committee, which includes the Head of the Civil Service and the Attorney-General, has been given a six-week deadline to submit its report.
The Council also considered several reports and memos, ratifying various Federal Government Projects Committee (FGPC) memos on ongoing state projects.