July 22, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen A Odey, Esq. on Wednesday, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu-led administration to repositioning the education sector through impactful reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education.
Speaking while receiving members of the Think Cross River Project Group on a courtesy visit led by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Think Cross River, Papa Dorn Cklamz Enamhe, the Commissioner highlighted the administration’s major achievements in education, including the payment of WASSCE registration fees for public secondary school students, which he said has contributed to an increase in the state’s pass rate from 65.2 percent to over 78 percent. He also disclosed that Cross River recently emerged fourth best in Nigeria in the NECO examination.
Professor Odey outlined several reforms introduced by the Ministry, including the harmonisation of school resumption dates for public and private schools, the 2:00 p.m. school closing policy to improve teaching and learning, stricter regulation of private schools through mandatory Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, and the closure of over 500 illegal schools operating below approved standards.
The Commissioner further emphasized the importance of the ongoing 2025/2026 Annual School Census, describing credible educational data as critical for effective planning, policy formulation, and attracting development partners. He also noted that the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship Akamkpa, reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping young people with entrepreneurial and employable skills. Commending Governor Otu’s leadership, Senator Stephen Odey assured that the Ministry would continue implementing policies that will sustain quality education delivery and maintain Cross River State’s position among Nigeria’s leading-performing states in education.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Papa Dorn Cklamz Enamhe, commended Senator Odey for his visionary leadership and transformative reforms in the education sector. He praised the Commissioner for restoring confidence among students and teachers through innovative policies, teacher capacity-building programmes, and sustained educational development initiatives.
Papa Enamhe also advocated for the promotion of a culture of gratitude and positive values among young people through schools, pledging the Think Cross River Project Group’s partnership with the Ministry of Education in advancing character development and supporting the ongoing transformation of education in Cross River State.