Edet Ikotidem
There has been a significant clash within the Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) over the posting of teachers to various schools across the state, particularly to rural areas.
This faceoff involves the SSEB Chairman, Ekaette Ebong Okon, and the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Rose Edet Stephen, both of whom have issued conflicting directives concerning the teachers’ postings.
The controversy stems from the recent reassignment of teachers, many of whom are currently stationed in Uyo, the state’s capital, to more remote areas such as Ikot Abasi, Ini, and other distant parts of Akwa Ibom.
SSEB Chairman Permanent Secretary in Faceoff
These postings have sparked protests among the affected teachers and school principals, who argue that the transfers are both ill-timed and inconsiderate of their personal circumstances, especially given the current economic hardships in the state and the country at large. Many of these teachers are reportedly nursing mothers, and a large number of them have not even spent a full year in their current posts, as they are relatively new employees.
According to reports, a list of the reassigned teachers was circulated on social media, revealing the extent of the transfer orders.
The decision to transfer teachers to distant locations has been met with widespread discontent, particularly among those who have family commitments or health-related concerns.
Many of the teachers are reportedly concerned about the impact of these transfers on their ability to care for their young children and manage their households, especially in light of the difficult economic conditions.
The situation escalated when a letter, purportedly signed by Rose Edet Stephen, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, was issued over the weekend.
The letter directed the teachers to proceed with their transfers and warned that any failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.
This directive countered a previous order that had been attributed to the Board Chairman, Ekaette Ebong Okon. Mrs. Okon, who is said to be out of the country at the moment, had reportedly issued a directive halting the transfer process, citing a lack of proper procedure and fairness.
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In her communication, Mrs. Okon instructed that no teacher should proceed with the transfer until further notice.
What has fueled the confusion even further is the Permanent Secretary’s claim that Mrs. Okon is no longer the Chairman of the Board, referring to her as the “former Chairman” in the letter, perhaps following reports that the tenure of Ekaette Ebong Okon as SSEB chairman has expired
.This has led to questions about the current leadership of the SSEB and whether Mrs. Okon still holds authority over Board decisions.
The opposing directives have caused a rift within the Board, creating uncertainty among the teachers who are caught in the middle of this power struggle.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, and the issue remains unresolved.
The dispute is causing significant anxiety among educators, and it threatens to affect the smooth resumption of schools in the state, as the teachers are unsure whether they should comply with the Permanent Secretary’s directive or await further clarification from the Board Chairman or other authorities.
The broader implications of this standoff are concerning, as it highlights deeper governance issues within the Akwa Ibom State education system.
The teachers’ reluctance to move to the hinterlands, combined with the economic struggles they face, suggests that more attention needs to be given to the working conditions and welfare of teachers in the state. Additionally, the apparent breakdown in communication and leadership within the SSEB is alarming and calls for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to prevent further disruption to the education sector.
Until the matter is resolved, the situation remains tense, with many teachers fearing the consequences of either following or disregarding the conflicting orders.
The delay in resumption may also have a lasting impact on the students, who could face interruptions in their education as a result of this internal dispute within the SSEB.
