IKOT EKPENE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOLDS PLENARY, EMPHASIZES ENFORCEMENT OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

IKOT EKPENE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOLDS PLENARY, EMPHASIZES ENFORCEMENT OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

31ST AUGUST, 2026

The plenary session of the Ikot Ekpene Legislative Council, held on Monday, 31st August, 2026, commenced at 11:55 a.m. with the formal entry of the Leader of the House, Hon. (Elder) Nkereuwem Umoh.

The House was officially called to order following an opening prayer for the business of the day.

After a careful review and scrutiny of the proceedings of the previous sitting, a motion for their adoption was moved by Hon. Aniekan Umondia and duly seconded by Hon. Matthew Inyang(Chief Whip).

In the absence of any Matter of Urgent Public Importance, the House proceeded directly to the business of the day, as contained in the Order Paper. The Order Paper was presented by the Deputy House Leader, Hon. (Mrs.) Emem Nta, as directed by the Leader of the Legislative Council as follows;

A) ENFORCEMENT OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
The Leader of the House, Hon. (Elder) Nkereuwem Umoh, took time to explain the importance of education and why the younger generation should take advantage of the free and compulsory education programme.
He noted that the free and compulsory education initiative dates back to the administration of the incumbent President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, GCON, during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
After extensive deliberations on the subject matter, the lawmakers lamented the loss of interest and commitment to education among some young people who loiter on the streets during school hours.
The House also expressed concern over the condition of some schools, particularly in Amayam, where there is an inadequate number of teachers and insufficient desks, forcing some pupils to sit on bare floors while learning.
The House further observed that some school environments are not conducive to effective learning, while some parents send their children and wards to hawk or accompany them to the farm during school hours.

Following the deliberations, the House referred the matter, titled “Enforcement of Free and Compulsory Education,” to the House Committee on Education for further consideration and appropriate action. The motion was moved by Hon. Nsini Umoh and duly seconded by Hon. (Mrs.) Aniema Udom.

B) CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN TOILET (CONVENIENCE) FACILITY AT THE OLD COUNCIL SECRETARIAT
Following deliberations on the need for the construction of a modern toilet facility at the Old Council Secretariat, Hon. Matthew Inyang moved a motion calling for the Local Government Council to construct a visitors’ convenience within the premises.
The Leader shared experiences how many visitors were often stranded during the monthly covenant prayers due to the absence of adequate toilet facilities. The motion was duly seconded by Hon. Aniekan Umondia.
The House also appealed that the New Council Secretariat be included in the consideration and implementation of the proposal.

C) DISCUSSION ON THE DURATION AND COMMENCEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE RECESS FOR 2026
The House deliberated on the date for the commencement of the legislators’ recess. Following the discussions, the House unanimously agreed to embark on recess in the month of October.

REPORT FROM THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT
A report from the House Committee on Environment was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Matthew Inyang, Chief Whif of the Legislative Council.

The report captured various issues relating to environmental management within Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

Following the conclusion of deliberations on the items contained in the Order Paper, a motion for adjournment was moved by Hon. Aniekan Umondia to adjourn the sitting to 7th September, 2026. The motion was duly seconded by Hon. (Mrs.) Emem Nta, the Deputy House Leader.

MEDIA UNIT
Ikot Ekpene Legislative Council