September 2, 2026
Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen Odey, Esq., has directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure the immediate resolution of outstanding salary and promotion issues affecting teachers across the state.
Professor Odey gave the directive during an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), SUBEB and senior officials of the Ministry of Education, following concerns raised by the NUT over alleged non-payment of salaries, non-implementation of promotions and reduction of teachers’ allowances.
The Commissioner directed that teachers who have not been paid should be properly verified and authenticated through the required supervision and documentation processes, after which genuine beneficiaries must be paid their outstanding salaries to the last kobo. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that teachers whose promotions have been duly approved and implemented receive all their entitlements, stressing that no genuine teacher should be denied what is legally due to them.
He noted that the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has demonstrated strong commitment to the welfare of teachers through the approval and release of funds, stressing that the responsibility of ensuring that approved benefits reach the intended beneficiaries rests with the relevant implementing authorities.
The Commissioner further directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ntunkae Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, who also doubles as the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, to work with the appropriate local government structures to identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting teachers’ salaries. He called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders in the education sector, stressing that the sector must remain united and focused on delivering quality education in Cross River State.
The Chairman of SUBEB, Chief Magistrate Mrs. Fidelia Okpo Ene, and the NUT Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi, commended Senator Odey for his timely intervention and commitment to addressing the concerns of teachers.