UYO-The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged the state government to allocate sufficient funding to revitalise and ensure the sustainable operation of Adult and Non-formal Education Centers throughout the state, in line with the educational goals outlined in the government’s ARISE Agenda.
Additionally, the House called on the Ministry of Education to conduct an assessment of the centers to identify their needs and develope a comprehensive framework for their growth, while recommending the amendment of the law that established the agency for Adult and Non-formal Education to create a full-time governing board, which would enhance policy formulation, administration, supervision, and the overall effectiveness of the agency.
These resolutions were made following the adoption of a report from the Committee on Education, presented by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, the Committee Chairperson, during a plenary session of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Onofiok stated that during the plenary session on January 27, 2026, the House received a motion on “The Need to Revive Adult Education Centres Across Akwa Ibom State,” which was subsequently referred to the Committee on Education for further legislative action.
In her report, Committee Chairman, noted that her committee held a consultative meeting with the commissioner for education, the permanent secretary, relevant directors from the ministry, and various stakeholders who provided valuable insights to assist the committee in its work.
Onofiok highlighted that the Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education, which operates centers in all 31 local government areas of the state, was established by Edict No. 1 of 1987 with the primary goal of eradicating illiteracy and promoting adult education for national development.
She explained that the programmes offered by the agency include vocational and skills acquisition courses, evening and continuing education classes, adult (mass) education programs, and extra-mural/lesson programs.
However, these centers, the committee observed, are currently non-functional due to a lack of funding.
The committee also noted that the agency is currently managed by a Third-Class Part-Time Board, and facilitators at the centers are nominated by their respective local government areas for deployment.
Onofiok further reported that during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, facilitators were screened, verified, and approved by the Ministry of Finance for a monthly stipend of N10,000, which was never fully implemented, resulting in the discontinuation of services and operations at the centers.
The member for Ukanafun State Constituency,Hon. Emem Udom, moved motion for the receipt of the report and seconded by his Nsit Atai counterpart for consideration at Tuesday’s plenary.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, read the resolutions and directed the Clerk of the House to communicate them to Governor Pastor Umo Eno and the Commissioner for Education for necessary action.