February 24, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Professor Stephen Odey, Esq, on Tuesday received the Chairman of the Cross River State Senior Secondary School Board, Dr. Anthony Ngban, alongside members of the board and management staff on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Education headquarters, Calabar.
The delegation, led by Dr. Ngban, appreciated the Commissioner for granting them audience and providing the platform for engagement. The Chairman explained that the visit was aimed at officially presenting the challenges, needs, and operational concerns of the Board to enable it function more effectively.
Dr. Ngban noted that with the Commissioner’s support and intervention, the Board would be better positioned to deliver on its mandate. He appealed to the Commissioner to use his good office to facilitate the Board’s needs, stressing that adequate support would enhance efficiency and productivity within the system.
Responding, Professor Odey expressed gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Board for what he described as a timely and constructive visit. He commended them for clearly outlining their concerns and assured them of his commitment to strengthening all boards and parastatals under his supervision.
“I will be the happiest person to see boards and parastatals under my supervision functioning effectively,” the Commissioner stated. “Where they are lacking, it is my responsibility to brief His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu and recommend necessary interventions. My duty is oversight, to guide, correct, and ensure that systems work properly. That is my role.”
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the Ministry of Education and the Senior Secondary School Board to work in synergy to improve the quality of education delivery across Cross River State.