The renewed fear in Akwa Ibom State that the state government plans to scrap the on-going free and compulsory education programme, introduced by the Godswill Akpabio administration, have been allayed by the government.

The State Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, made the clarification at Abak while announcing the commencement of training of 200 youths on electricity and power generation in the area.

He rather stated that the scope of the on-going free and compulsory education programme of the government would be enhanced through massive government interventions in the policy.

“Construction of more classroom blocks, writing desks, other teaching materials and appointment of competent personnel as senior special assistants, to effectively monitor the programme, will soon be carried out,” he affirmed.

The governor further said that under the training arrangements, the federal government would be paying stipends to the participants, while the state government would give additional support, and he described the scheme as part of efforts for laying solid foundation for useful living of youths in the state.

He stated that there were “boundless opportunities in the telecommunication and power generating sectors” where his administration desired to key in for sustainable development.

Governor Emmanuel emphasised that a conglomerate of industries would soon take off in different parts of Akwa Ibom State, particular in the area of ammonia and fertiliser plants, with strong partnership with United States of America-based Green Wealth Technology.

He explained that discussions on few challenges on the issue would be sorted out during an expected, but yet to be scheduled, trip abroad.

•Photo shows Gov. Emmanuel.

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