Akwa Ibom Budget Priorities Under Scrutiny as Viral Video Shows Pupils Sitting on Bare Floors in Itu!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa.
A viral video from a public primary school in Ibiaku Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has reignited debate over education funding and governance priorities in one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows pupils seated on bare classroom floors in a visibly dilapidated building, lacking desks and other basic learning facilities. The images have drawn public concern, particularly against the backdrop of reports that government resources have been allocated for high-end official vehicles for former public office holders.
Education Infrastructure Gap in Oil-Rich State
Akwa Ibom, often described as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states due to substantial oil revenues, has historically positioned itself as a model of infrastructural development in the Niger Delta. However, the conditions depicted in the Ibiaku Itam school suggest that gaps in basic education infrastructure persist in some rural communities.
Education advocates say the situation reflects a broader national challenge, where public primary schools in underserved areas struggle with inadequate funding, poor maintenance, and insufficient oversight. According to data from Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education framework, many states continue to grapple with classroom shortages, furniture deficits, and overcrowding particularly in rural districts.
While the state government has not issued a comprehensive statement specifically addressing the viral footage as of press time, public discourse has intensified over spending priorities and transparency in resource allocation.
Public Reaction and Governance Questions
The controversy comes amid reports that luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were recently approved for certain former officials in the state an issue that has sparked criticism from civil society groups and opposition voices. Critics argue that such expenditures, though potentially lawful under state policy, risk undermining public trust when juxtaposed with visibly poor learning environments for children.
Supporters of the administration, however, contend that executive entitlements are institutional provisions and should not be conflated with education sector budgeting, which they say is handled through separate appropriations.
The debate reflects a wider national conversation on governance accountability and the prudent management of public funds, particularly in subnational governments benefitting from oil allocations.
Broader National Context
Nigeria has long faced systemic challenges in basic education delivery. Reports by major national dailies, including Premium Times, The Punch, and Vanguard, have repeatedly documented cases of deteriorating public school infrastructure across various states, highlighting shortages of classrooms, teaching materials, and furniture.
Similarly, international observers such as BBC News have reported on education access challenges in Nigeria, noting that infrastructure deficits remain a key barrier to improving learning outcomes nationwide.
For many observers, the Akwa Ibom episode underscores a paradox: a resource-rich state grappling with fundamental service delivery concerns at the grassroots level.
Call for Policy Alignment
Education policy analysts emphasize that sustainable development in oil-producing regions requires consistent reinvestment in human capital especially at the primary level, where foundational literacy and numeracy skills are formed.
As public scrutiny grows, stakeholders are calling for a transparent audit of education infrastructure needs across local government areas, alongside clearer communication on government expenditure priorities.
For the pupils in Ibiaku Itam, however, the issue is less about political debate and more about immediate access to a dignified learning environment.
Sources:
Premium Times
The Punch
Vanguard
BBC News
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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