March 17, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., has issued a stern warning to secondary school principals across the state, urging them to rise to their responsibilities and uphold expected standards. Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with school heads, the Commissioner expressed deep concern over what he described as poor performance, weak administrative conduct, and alleged financial misconduct among some principals. He decried the persistent failure of school leaders to comply with official directives from the Ministry of Education, noting that critical information is often ignored.
“You are given information, yet you fail to act. That is unacceptable. If you cannot perform, then you are not qualified to be principals,” he stated.
Professor Odey warned that principals found wanting would face immediate disciplinary actions, including possible demotion to classroom teaching roles. He emphasized that all sanctions would follow due process, beginning with formal queries and necessary investigations.
Raising further concerns, the Commissioner highlighted unacceptable practices such as:
- Inflating student population figures for personal gain
- Diverting resources meant for students, etc. He warned that anyone involved in such acts must desist immediately or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner also criticized the lack of professionalism among some school administrators, noting that many fail to monitor official communication channels or give priority to their duties. He stressed that as leaders in the education sector, principals are expected to demonstrate high levels of discipline, accountability, and responsiveness. While acknowledging ongoing reforms, he lamented that implementation at the grassroots level remains weak due to non-compliance by some school heads.
“We are working hard to transform the system, but those responsible for implementation are not helping. This must change,” he added, while reaffirming his commitment to restoring discipline, transparency, and efficiency in the education system, Professor Odey maintained that only competent and compliant administrators would retain their positions.
The directive signals a renewed push by the administration of Governor Bassey Otu to enforce accountability and improve standards across the state’s education sector.