May 29, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq. on Friday, May 29, 2026, presented the remarkable three-year achievements of the Ministry of Education under the administration of Governor His Excellency Senator Apostle Dr. Bassey Edet Otu at the Cross River State Town Hall Meeting held in Abuja.
The event, which took place at the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together government officials, political leaders, stakeholders from the 18 Local Government Areas, and Cross River indigenes resident in the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Odey highlighted the massive transformation recorded in the education sector through deliberate policies and strategic investments initiated by Governor Otu’s administration. He described education as the foundation of national development and reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to repositioning the sector for global competitiveness.
The Commissioner further explained that the Governor’s vision for education has led to unprecedented reforms, infrastructural renewal, manpower development, improved learning outcomes, and enhanced access to quality education across the state.
Among the key achievements unveiled at the Town Hall Meeting was the comprehensive renovation and furnishing of the Ministry of Education Headquarters, including the installation of solar systems, ICT equipment, CCTV cameras, and refurbishment of office facilities to create a conducive working environment.
Senator Odey further disclosed that the administration successfully accessed Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention funds totaling over ₦17 billion between 2023 and 2025 after promptly paying counterpart funds. Through the intervention, 229 educational projects were executed, including the construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks, provision of boreholes, and procurement of over 23,000 customized school furniture across the state.
The Commissioner also highlighted the remodeling and digitalization of the State Library Complex, which was commissioned by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, describing it as a major boost to academic research and learning in the state.
On examination support, Senator Odey revealed that Governor Otu sustained the payment of WAEC registration fees for indigenous students in public secondary schools since 2023. He noted that a total of 43,694 students benefitted within the three-year period at a cost exceeding ₦1.1 billion, significantly easing the burden on parents and guardians.
He equally announced that Cross River State recorded improved performances in both WAEC and NECO examinations, with the state ranking among the top-performing states nationally.
The presentation also captured the establishment and successful take-off of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, which has already secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and commenced academic activities.
In addition, Senator Odey outlined achievements in teachers’ welfare and manpower development, including the promotion of over 14,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, recruitment of additional teachers, regular training programmes, and the strengthening of quality assurance mechanisms within schools.
The Commissioner further highlighted the digitization of examination processes, annual school census exercises, approval for bursary payments through the State Scholarship Board, and the enactment of the Senior Secondary Education Board Law, 2026, which positions the state to benefit from National Senior Secondary Education Commission intervention funds.
Speaking on the administration’s commitment to educational excellence, Senator Odey emphasized that Governor Bassey Otu has consistently increased budgetary allocations to the education sector, with the sector receiving over ₦265 billion between 2024 and 2026.
He also listed several awards and recognitions won by the Ministry within the period under review, including national awards for excellence in educational administration, science innovation, sports, and environmental sustainability.
The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, noting that the administration has successfully placed education at the forefront of development in Cross River State.
“The achievements recorded within these three years clearly demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven society and securing a brighter future for Cross Riverians through quality education,” Senator Odey stated.
The event also featured the unveiling of Governor Bassey Otu’s three-year scorecard, showcasing the administration’s achievements across various sectors.
Dignitaries present at the Town Hall Meeting included the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD; Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; Hon. Chief Emil Inyang, member representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency; Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, member representing Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwarra Federal Constituency; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Ironbar; commissioners, political appointees, and numerous Cross River indigenes resident in Abuja
_By Patricia Ogbeche ANIPR
Information And Public Relations Officer Ministry of Education CRS