June 17, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey, Esq, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners to improve educational outcomes and address critical challenges facing the sector. The Commissioner gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by UNICEF Education Specialist, led by Mr. Believe Oritsenemi Eke, who recently resumed duties in the Enugu Field Office and visited the Ministry of Education Headquarters on Wednesday, to deepen collaboration and discuss key education priorities in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Eke highlighted several priority areas requiring urgent attention, including the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy, and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Cross River State. He noted that the Federal Ministry of Education is set to launch NEMIS on July 1, 2026 and emphasized the importance of ensuring that Cross River State’s education data is accurately captured and reflected on the national dashboard.
Eke explained that, reliable education data remains essential for effective planning, policy formulation, monitoring, and resource allocation within the education sector. He further assured the state government of UNICEF’s continued support in achieving its educational objectives.
The UNICEF officials also stressed the need for effective implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy, describing it as a critical framework for ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children, particularly those with special needs and vulnerable backgrounds.
Professor Odey expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s continued partnership and described the visit as timely and beneficial to the state’s education agenda, as he reiterated that education remains a top priority of the Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, adding that the Ministry has remained committed to implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving access to quality education across the state.
The Commissioner noted that the Ministry has strengthened efforts in education data management, annual school census exercises, policy implementation, and engagement with federal education agencies to ensure that Cross River State continues to meet national standards.
Senator Odey assured UNICEF that the Ministry and its agencies would work diligently to ensure the state is adequately represented on the NEMIS platform ahead of its official launch, as he emphasized the need for synergy among stakeholders and directed relevant officials of the Ministry and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to harmonize education data systems and avoid duplication of efforts, maintaining that collaboration, coordination, and accountability remain critical to achieving sustainable improvements in the education sector.
Professor Odey also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and promoting inclusive education.
He assured UNICEF of the Ministry’s open-door policy and pledged continued partnership with development organizations working to advance quality education and improve the future of every child in Cross River State.
“Anything that will improve education in Cross River State and benefit our children will always receive our support. We remain committed to working with UNICEF and other partners to achieve our shared goals,” the Commissioner stated.