An Akwa Ibom State High Court has ordered the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay N1.5 billion as compensation to the family of the founder of Christian Secondary School, Afia Etoi, Uyo, for the takeover of the institution by government 49 years ago without payment.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. HU/335/2022, Justice Archibong Archibong of High Court 2, Uyo Judicial Division, gave the government until October 14, 2026 to complete assessment and payment.
The court held that the continued occupation and use of the school by the state without compensation violated Section 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution and CAP 44, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000, which mandates payment of adequate compensation where government acquires private property.
Justice Archibong further ruled that failure to comply within three months would entitle the plaintiffs — children of the late founder — to repossess the school, while a perpetual injunction would restrain the government from further use of the premises.
FROM 1972 FOUNDATION TO 1977 TAKEOVER
Court records show that Christian Secondary School was established in 1972 by the late Mr. John James Ebong with personal funds. He acquired land, constructed classrooms and ran the school for five years.
In 1977, the Federal Military Government under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo promulgated the Schools Take-Over (Validation) Decree No. 48, which transferred ownership of all private schools to state governments. The then Cross River State Government took over the school. No compensation was paid.
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When Akwa Ibom State was created in 1987, the school became one of the assets inherited from Cross River State. Since then, successive administrations have operated the school, producing thousands of graduates, while the Ebong family said they received nothing.
N1.5BN VALUATION, AND CLAIMS OF ACCRUED ARREARS
The N1.5 billion figure was based on a 2017 valuation report tendered in court by the plaintiffs, covering land, buildings and goodwill.
Lead counsel, Ndifreke Akpan, Esq. of Star Attorneys, argued that due to inflation and naira depreciation, the liability in 2026 is much higher when arrears are computed.
“The N1.5 billion is what it was worth in 2017,” Akpan said. “Justice delayed is justice denied. For 49 years, everybody has benefited from this school except the owners. That is the height of injustice.”
In his ruling, Justice Archibong described the case as “a classic example of delayed justice.”
LAWYER WRITES GOVT, CITES RISK TO SCHOOL CALENDAR
Akpan disclosed that on August 31, 2026, Star Attorneys wrote to the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board, urging immediate steps toward compliance “to avoid disruption of academic activities and further legal embarrassment.”
He said the family was open to dialogue but insisted the judgment must be implemented.
FAMILY APPEALS TO GOVERNOR ENO
The children of the late founder said the struggle was about legacy, not just money.
Ms. Blessing John Ebong stated: “Our father sold his personal property to build that school in 1972 because he believed in education. He died without compensation. We are asking government to honor his dream.”
Mrs. Peace Ekpenyong added: “We have been patient. We believe in the compassion of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno. We trust he will do the right thing.”
Samuel John Ebong, a son, made a direct appeal: “We are not fighting government. We are Akwa Ibom people. We are appealing to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to set up a committee and ensure this compensation is paid. Let peace reign.”
WHAT THE JUDGMENT MEANS
With the October 14 deadline, the responsibility now lies with the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ministry of Education and the Secondary Education Board to either negotiate payment or risk losing the school.
Legal analysts say non-compliance could lead to the Ebong family taking possession of the school, a development that could affect over 3,000 students and staff currently in the institution.
Education stakeholders in Uyo have called for urgent talks to resolve the matter before the start of the 2026/2027 academic session.
As the countdown begins, the Ebong family maintains that after nearly five decades, “justice must finally be done.”
