Poor Road Network Worsening School Dropout Rate In A’Ibom Community

Residents of Ikot Okpok in Edemaya Clan, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of an abandoned road project, warning that it is hindering access to education and contributing to the rising number of out-of-school children in the area.

The residents said the road, which links several communities including Atan Ikpe, Ikot Efre, Ikot Okpok, Ikot Akpabio, Atan Ekaiko and Ikot Etenge Ndon, was awarded during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel but has remained incomplete.

According to community members, the poor state of the road has disrupted movement to schools, farms, churches and other social activities, particularly during the rainy season when the route becomes largely impassable.

A retired teacher, Mr. Bassey Ukpong, said many pupils are unable to attend classes regularly because of the difficult terrain.

“Sometimes pupils are forced to stay away from school, and it is increasing the number of out-of-school children,” he said.

Residents recalled that the project was awarded in 2019 to improve access to rural communities and create economic opportunities, but alleged that delays in funding and poor execution have left the road in a worse condition.

They further alleged that portions of the contract were subcontracted to unqualified individuals, resulting in poor drainage construction and indiscriminate dumping of excavated materials along the road corridor.

The villagers noted that the situation has made the road unsafe for motorists and pedestrians, with vehicles frequently getting stuck or damaged during periods of heavy rainfall.

The Village Head of Ikot Okpok, Chief Iko-Abasi Alfred Ekiko, described the hardship faced by residents as severe, saying students are among those most affected.

“Our people are suffering a lot because of the poor construction of the road. Students going to primary and secondary schools have suffered a lot. Sometimes they stay away from school,” he said.

He appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene and ensure that the contractor returns to site to complete the project.

Also speaking, a community leader, Elder Ntudo Udoessien, said motorists now avoid the route due to frequent vehicle breakdowns caused by the poor condition of the road.

“The condition of the road is terrible. Motorists fear their vehicles will break down. Social life is poor, and people cannot attend functions, especially when it rains,” he said.

Responding to the complaints, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the ministry would direct the project engineer to assess the road and submit a report on its condition.

He stated that although the road project had been awarded to HENSEK Integrated Services Limited and work had commenced, the government would verify the current status of the project before taking further action.