The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, met with Principals and Head teachers of Secondary and Primary schools in Central Educational Zone (Abi, Boki, Etung, Ikom, Obubra, and Yakurr), at Ikom to discuss new reforms and policies for the 2025/2026 academic session. The Commissioner welcomed Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr Mrs Afiong Ugbaja, Directors from the Ministry, Executive Secretaries, Principals, and Head teachers present at the meeting. He described the gathering as an opportunity to review the performances of the state’s education sector, identify areas of success, and address challenges requiring urgent attention.
The Commissioner – Professor Odey reiterated Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to prioritizing education, stressing that school administrators must live up to their responsibilities. “His Excellency has made it clear that education remains his top priority. He expects us and all MDA’s to work diligently to deliver on our mandate,” he said.
The Commissioner further announced that registration for all external examinations will soon commence. He directed schools to ensure that student registrations are promptly uploaded and registrations completed on time to avoid delays. He also disclosed that the printing and compilation of Junior Secondary School (JSS3) certificates are ongoing and would be distributed to schools once ready.
On the issue of student index numbers, Prof. Odey emphasized their importance in record keeping and tracking. He urged schools to provide accurate data for all students, adding that teachers will soon undergo training to improve data management.
He also charged school administrators, accountants, and auditors to maintain proper records, noting that all levies approved by the Governor must be remitted promptly. Illegal schools, he warned, would be shut down.
Speaking further, the Commissioner highlighted policies on elongation for retired Principals, employment of new teachers, and staff promotion, assuring that Governor Otu had these in his plans. He cautioned teachers against negligence, stressing that the future of the children must remain the top priority.
“Every school must maintain a proper nominal roll. Only approved textbooks will be allowed in schools. The federal government has also introduced a new curriculum, and I urge all schools to comply strictly. Schools must also establish anti-drug and anti-bullying clubs,” he stated.
The National Secretary of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCORPS), Mr. Demort Akuben Tawo, commended the Commissioner for Education, Professor Odey, for the reforms he has introduced into the state’s education sector.
Mr. Tawo described the Commissioner as “an academician and an icon,” assuring that all Principals and Head teachers will ensure the immediate implementation of the new reforms in their respective schools.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders in the State Education Sector.