C’RIVER CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER MEETS SCHOOL HEADS IN CALABAR
September 15, 2025
…Professor Odey rolls out reforms, warns against illegal levies, vows to shut down unapproved schools
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, on Monday met with Principals and Headteachers of public schools in the Southern Senatorial District at WAPI, Calabar, to align them with government reforms for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Prof. Odey reaffirmed education as a top priority under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and cautioned against illegal levies, insisting that all payments be made only through designated government accounts.
He outlined key reforms including:
*implimentation of teachers promotion
*introduction of student index numbers
*digitalized results
*adoption of approved textbooks
*establishment of anti-drug and anti-bullying clubs, and *improved support for children with special needs.
He further directed the streamlining of secondary school leadership to one Vice Principal and one Headteacher per school.
The Commissioner also announced plans to shut down illegal schools, enforce punctuality among staff and students, and the Ministry has also requested for vehicles from the Governor to strengthen school monitoring and supervision. He urged administrators to make use of the remodeled state library to improve on their competencies, and comply strictly with exam registration deadlines.
Other speakers-Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Afiong Ugbaja; CR-SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Esu E. Esu; Permanent Secretary, Barr. Francis Oyije; and NUT Secretary, Comrade Victor Amirize—pledged support for the reforms. ANCOPPS President, Mr. Etim Nsa, equally assured the Commissioner of Principals’ cooperation.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by school leaders to work closely with the Ministry in implementing policies aimed at transforming education in Cross River State.