November 30, (THEWILL) — The maiden edition of the ARISE Quiz Competition, The Brainwave, has sparked urgent concern over declining academic standards in parts of Akwa Ibom State, after the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, suggested a “state of emergency” in a public school in Itu Local Government Area.
Edidem raised the alarm during a media briefing in Itu, at the grand finale of the three-day competition, noting that the unnamed school failed to answer a single question despite presenting its three best students.
He described the development as “a disturbing signal of deeper systemic problems” requiring immediate intervention.
According to him, preliminary observations point to possible teacher shortages, poor classroom delivery, and structural deficiencies. He said he would work with the Itu Council Chairman to commence an urgent fact-finding mission.
“We cannot leave everything to the government alone”, the Deputy Speaker stressed. “Whether it is a shortage of teachers or a failure to effectively teach, we must identify the problem and fix it.”
He also highlighted critical performance gaps in Agricultural Science and Biology, subjects central to Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, warning that weak outcomes in these areas could hamper the state’s development in agriculture, health innovation, environmental science, and biotechnology.
Edidem pledged to push for more qualified science teachers and additional infrastructure in Itu and across the state, while commending the ongoing transformation of public schools under the ARISE Agenda through new model schools, renovations, and improved instructional materials.
The competition, initiated by the Deputy Speaker to strengthen the educational pillar of the ARISE Agenda, drew commendations from key stakeholders.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, in his goodwill message, praised the initiative as “a timely and strategic intervention that complements the state government’s aggressive drive to reposition education.
“Competitions like The Brainwave ignite healthy academic rivalry and inspire a culture of excellence among students.” He added.
Also speaking, the Director General of the competition and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, lauded Edidem’s commitment to youth development. He described the quiz as “a visionary project that reflects the Deputy Speaker’s passion for intellectual empowerment and aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda’s human-capital objectives.”
Both officials expressed optimism that the initiative would raise standards in public schools and encourage sustained community involvement in education.
At the end of the fiercely contested event, West Itam Secondary School clinched the championship trophy and a N1 million cash prize. Monef Secondary School took second place with N700,000, while Word of Faith Secondary School finished third with N500,000.
The Deputy Speaker announced that Season 2 of The Brainwave will hold in the second quarter of 2026, with participation expanded to schools across Akwa Ibom State.
He urged students to remain committed to excellence, noting that “the future of Itu and Akwa Ibom State rests on the quality of education we build today.”
