The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, received the management and staff of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies, College of Education, University of Calabar, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Calabar.
The delegation was led by the Head of Department, Dr. Bernard A. Oko, who spoke on behalf of the team. Dr. Oko congratulated Senator Odey on his recent elevation to the rank of Professor, describing him as a visionary leader and a source of motivation to the academic community. He commended the Commissioner’s humility and exceptional leadership qualities, noting that his contributions to the education sector continue to inspire both students and educators.
As part of the visit, the delegation presented an Award of Honour to the Commissioner in recognition of his colossal contributions to repositioning the education system in Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
Responding, Professor Odey expressed deep appreciation for the thoughtful recognition, stating that the award was particularly meaningful because it came from colleagues within the academic field. He added that such gestures help strengthen professional bonds and foster lasting relationships among educators. The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the state’s education system but emphasized that meaningful progress requires collective effort. He urged the lecturers to remain steadfast in their dedication to teaching, assuring them that the Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance teaching and learning across the state, in line with the passion and determination of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu toward transforming the education sector.