For hours in the early hours of Wednesday, November 9, 2024, students of Comprehensive Secondary School, Midim Abak in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State locked the gates of the school for a serious, but peaceful protest for the release of the SS2 promotional, external examination.
Addressing the press during the protest, Senior Prefect of the School, Master Blessing Udo Okopedi said the protest became necessary after several calls and appeals for the release of their results from the principal, Mrs. Uwem Asikpo.
He said the condition has thrown them into depression and confusion as to whether they are promoted to the certificate class or should remain at status quo.
According to Okopedi, the principal has ignored several appeals and calls from their parents for the results of their examination.
Addressing the angry students, clan head of Midim, HRH, Obong Paul Ebong, appreciated the students for the decorum with which they conducted themselves during the protest. He however agreed that protests and demonstrations are legitimate, but should be peaceful. The monarch, who was attracted to the scene by a crowd that began to gather around the school gate, admonished the school management to complement the state government blueprint and policy thrust for improved quality of education.
The clan head said a couple of parents had complained about the issue of non release of their children’s results, a development they noted has demoralized and traumatized their children.
Therefore, in a stern tone, the royal father charged the school management to sort out the issues, even as he urged the students to return to class.
Reacting on behalf of the youth of Midim, Mr. John Umana poured encomiums and lavished praises on the clan head for not only stopping by, but for accepting to step into the matter to ensure normalcy returns.
He appreciated the governor, Pastor Umo Eno for standing by the voice of the people of Midim over the choice of qualified and accepted candidate for the clan headship, which saw His Highness Obong Paul Ebong as clan head of Midim.
Corroborating others, he frowned at the school’s management for withholding students’ results, charging them to shift their ground in respect for public opinion.
Others who spoke were the councillor representing Midim Ward 1, in Abak Legislative Council, Hon. Cecilia Denis Nyarks, compound master of the school, Mr. Victor John, and others.
