Akwa Ibom State stops three students from schools over teacher attacks

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education has stopped three students from enrolling in any public or private school in the state. This action is due to their alleged involvement in attacks on teachers and other school staff.

The ministry shared this decision in a directive on 16 July 2026. The directive was signed by Anietie Ikot, the Director of Higher Education at the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education. The letter was sent to principals of public secondary schools across the state.

The students affected are Miracle Anietie Okon and Goodnews Anietie Okon from Ndikpo Grammar School in Ikot Obio Nko, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. The other student is Elisha Essien James from Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo.

The ministry stated that this decision came after investigations into incidents where students were involved in violence against teachers and other staff. There were also reports that students invited outsiders to attack school personnel.

The ministry warned that students who “instigated, participated in, or aided” assaults on teachers or staff using outsiders would be barred from admission to any public or private schools in Akwa Ibom.

They also directed that, where necessary and within legal limits, information about these students could be shared with other schools in the state for “appropriate consideration and action.”

Principals of schools that the affected students previously attended were told to send their photographs to the Association of Confederation of Principals of Public Schools platform. This will help identify them and enforce the ban.

The ministry emphasized that this measure is essential to protect teachers and students. It aims to uphold discipline and ensure a safe learning environment in schools.

Principals were instructed to report any incidents of violence involving students to the ministry and the relevant board for further investigation and action.

This directive follows rising concerns about violence in schools and attacks on teachers. It raises questions about how to maintain discipline while ensuring that disciplinary actions comply with laws and regulations.

The ministry did not provide specific details about the incidents involving the three students, nor did it share the findings of the investigations or how long the ban will last.

There was also no information on whether the students or their parents were allowed to respond to the allegations before the ban was enforced.

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the Commissioner for Education, Ubong Umoh, for more details about the directive and the reasons behind the ban.

The newspaper sought to understand the specific incidents and evidence that led to the sanctions. It also asked if the students and their parents had a chance to respond to the allegations and which laws or policies enabled the ministry to impose a statewide admission ban.

PREMIUM TIMES also inquired whether this directive applies to all students involved in similar situations or just to these three students.

As of the time of this report, Mr. Umoh had not responded to calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages.