38 Children Drop Out of Schools from Akwa Ibom Government Orphanages, as Despair and Despondency Grow

The plight of orphaned children under government care in Akwa Ibom State has reached a critical point. With despair mounting and educational prospects fading, an urgent SOS has been sent to Governor Umo Eno to address the worsening conditions that threaten the well-being and future of these vulnerable youths.

Investigations have revealed that at least 38 children from orphanages managed by the Akwa Ibom State Government have been forced to abandon their tertiary education due to unpaid tuition fees. The affected students include 16 from Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit; 4 from the University of Uyo (UNIUYO); 5 from Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU); and 3 from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Asurua, Ikot Ekpene. Residents of the Divine Children Home on Atan Offot Road, Uyo, they now face financial neglect and are unable to continue their education.

One child took to Facebook, pleading: “I don’t believe we are under government care. How can the government treat children in this manner? This kind of insensitivity is beyond evil. We’re plagued by bedbugs, lack clean water, and eat stinking, watery food. Allowances for students have stopped, secondary school kids lack provisions, and even textbooks are unaffordable—they look like bonga fish. No medication in the clinic either. Governor Umo Eno, please help us—we are dying here!”

Another wrote: “If they can’t send us to school, at least give us food. Please, Gov. Umo Eno, help. #GovernmentPikin.”

A senior staff member at the Divine Children Home, speaking anonymously, stated that the home has faced severe underfunding since the current government assumed office. She said several children have run away, while others who finished their WAEC exams years ago could not afford to take JAMB. “We’ve sent countless requests to the authorities, but nothing has been done. The children think we’ve pocketed the funds. Even staff haven’t been paid for months,” she lamented, adding that resignations are common.

The staffer recalled a visit three months ago from Mrs. Helen Umo Eno-Obareki, the Governor’s daughter and Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office. Mrs. Eno-Obareki reportedly informed the children of plans to relocate them to rented accommodations after graduation or trade certification. However, despite raising concerns during this visit, no improvements have been seen.

One child who managed to join the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) shared: “I barely made it. I’d saved for over a year knowing this might happen. Some of us couldn’t afford school clearances, let alone mobilization fees.”

Investigations further uncovered grim realities: some boys have taken up menial jobs, while some girls have resorted to street life, with tragic consequences—five girls reportedly became pregnant and were expelled.

Another College of Education dropout described the situation as worsening daily. “Officials promised to write to our schools, but exams have started, and there’s no hope.”

Similar stories emerge from the Ministry of Women Affairs’ Special Children Centre on IBB Way, Uyo, where 10 children have dropped out due to unpaid fees and lack of upkeep. Idara (name changed), a UNIUYO student, disclosed that she lived in constant fear of being unable to return to school. She managed sporadic class attendance but eventually gave up due to transport and hostel fees.

Edikan Ukpong (name changed), a tailoring apprentice, shared his struggles. “We abandoned training for lack of tools and resources. Hunger drove us to near desperation, but returning to the streets seemed even worse.”

Efforts to contact Mrs. Inibehe Etukudo, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and Mrs. Helen Umo Eno-Obareki have so far proven futile as neither responded to calls or messages.

Oliver Don Essien is an

Uyo based author