June 17, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey, Esq., has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting nutrition as a critical component of quality education, while pledging full support for the implementation of the Nourish Cross River Project across schools in the state.
Professor Odey made the commitment while receiving a delegation led by Pastor Wilson Asuqou, the state vocal person from the Nourish Cross River Project, the State Nutrition Department, Cross River State Planning Commission, and development partners during an advocacy and courtesy visit to the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Calabar.
Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the team for their efforts towards improving nutrition and educational outcomes among children in Cross River State. The Commissioner recalled the establishment of the Department of Food & Nutrition within the Ministry of Education, describing it as one of the strategic reforms introduced under his administration to address critical gaps in the education sector.
Professor Odey explained that, education goes beyond classroom teaching and learning, emphasizing that the nutritional wellbeing of pupils and students is fundamental to their academic performance and overall development.
“When I assumed office, I identified safety and nutrition as key areas that required urgent attention. We cannot talk about educating children without considering their nutritional needs. That informed my decision to seek approval from His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for the creation of the Department of Nutrition in the Ministry of Education,” he stated.
Professor Odey noted that the department has continued to make significant progress and expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment demonstrated by its officials in driving nutrition-focused initiatives within the education sector. The Commissioner further reiterated the administration’s openness to partnerships that support educational development, stressing that government alone cannot address all the challenges confronting the sector.
“Education is not the responsibility of government alone. We welcome partnerships with non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and other stakeholders who are willing to contribute to the growth and transformation of education in our state,” he said.
Senator Odey further disclosed that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, remains passionate about educational advancement and has continued to encourage collaborations capable of delivering positive outcomes for learners across the state, as he assured the Nourish Cross River Project team of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate fully in the implementation of the initiative, including granting access to schools and learners for nutrition education and related interventions.
The visit highlighted the growing collaboration between government institutions and development partners aimed at addressing malnutrition, improving learning outcomes, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of children in Cross River State. The Nourish Cross River Project is expected to focus on nutrition education, establishment of school-based nutrition clubs, scholarship support for vulnerable students, and community-based interventions targeted at reducing malnutrition across selected local government areas in the state.