Centre calls for speedy passage of bill to establish Akwa Ibom University of Education

The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has urged the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to accelerate the passage of a bill seeking to establish a University of Education in the state.

The Director of CHRAN, Mr. Franklyn Isong, made the appeal in a statement released to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday.

It is worth recalling that on 26th February, the Akwa Ibom legislature held a public hearing on the proposed bill aimed at upgrading the state’s College of Education to a full-fledged university.

The bill, titled: “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit”, seeks to transform the existing college into a degree-awarding institution.

Isong emphasised that the timely approval of the bill would help prevent a further decline in student enrolment.

He called on Akwa Ibom residents and key education stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collaboration was essential to realising the bill’s objectives.

“Many parents and guardians prefer a four-year university degree over a three-year National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme offered by colleges of education,” he stated.

“As an organisation, we advocated for this upgrade in 2024. We are deeply concerned because the institution has been experiencing a significant drop in student enrolment due to the growing preference for universities,” he added.

Isong further revealed that an independent study conducted by CHRAN confirmed that the student intake at the College of Education had declined significantly.

“We recognise that the college is legally permitted to award degrees, but only through an affiliation with the University of Uyo.

“This makes it imperative for the House of Assembly to expedite this legislation. Our research also indicates that the labour market is increasingly unfavourable to NCE graduates, which highlights the urgent need for this upgrade,” he explained.

The proposed transformation of the college into a university is expected to enhance educational opportunities and improve career prospects for students in the state.