February 5, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., on Thursday convened the first education stakeholders’ meeting of the year with management staff and key partners in the education sector at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Calabar.
Welcoming participants, the Commissioner described the meeting as a strategic forum to review progress and set a clear direction for the year, stressing that education remains the backbone of societal development. He emphasized that under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, high expectations rest on the education sector and called for collective responsibility to meet those expectations.
Professor Odey expressed concern over the slow pace of registration for the Primary Six Placement Examination, JSS3 BECE, and SS2 Mock Examinations, describing the trend as unacceptable. He warned school heads against withholding registration fees or imposing illegal charges, directing that such practices must stop immediately. He further announced that both public and private schools admitting students into JSS1 without valid Primary Six Placement slips would henceforth be sanctioned, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and curb malpractice.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry has compiled a total of 13,289 indigenous SS3 students for the 2026 state government-sponsored WAEC registration, noting that the list is awaiting the approval of the Governor. He also conveyed a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education prohibiting transfers or admissions into SS3 during the 2026/2027 academic session.
On performance, Professor Odey revealed that analysis of the 2025 results showed that 70.8% of students recorded five credits and above, including Mathematics and English. He expressed optimism that the state would achieve even better outcomes in the coming year.
The Commissioner expressed displeasure over inaccurate enrolment data submitted by some Executive Secretaries, warning that defaulters would be queried. He urged all stakeholders to sustain ongoing reforms, noting that Cross River State’s education reforms are already being emulated by other states.
During the meeting, Professor Odey formally introduced the new Head of Department, Quality Assurance, Dr. (Mrs.) Fanni, and presented her letter of appointment. He also issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of WAEC question papers, stating that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
A presentation was made on the newly introduced Student Index Number, with the technical lead, Mr. Victor, explaining that the system would track students academic records from primary through secondary education, thereby enhancing data integrity and accountability.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including the Cross River State NLC Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi; Dr. (Mrs.) Afiong Ugbaja, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; Dr. Anthony Ngban, Chairman, Senior Secondary School Board; Pastor Abraham Osok, and many other stakeholders in the education sector, commended the Governor and the Education Commissioner for their commitment to repositioning education in the state.