RESUMPTION OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION
The Cross River State Ministry of Education wishes to inform all Pupils, Students, Parents, Guardians, Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff, Proprietors, and the general public that all public and private nursery, primary and secondary schools in the State will officially resume for the 2026/2027 Academic Session on Monday, 14th September, 2026.
Parents and Guardians are hereby advised to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly, as academic activities are expected to commence immediately upon resumption.
All teaching and non-teaching staff in both public and private schools are directed to report to their respective schools and resume their official duties in line with the approved 2026/2027 Academic Calendar.
KEY GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND REFORMS
All schools are required to strictly comply with the following policies and directives of the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Education:
- Uniform Academic Calendar
All public and private schools must adhere strictly to the approved academic calendar for the 2026/2027 session. Any school that fails to comply will be liable to sanctions, including withdrawal or withholding of approval to operate. - Approved School Resumption and Closing Times
All schools must adhere to the approved daily school hours. Primary schools are to close by 1:00 p.m., while secondary schools are to close by 2:00 p.m. Compulsory lessons after the approved closing time are prohibited.
Any school found violating this directive will face appropriate sanctions. - Use of Approved Textbooks
All schools are required to use only textbooks approved by the Cross River State Ministry of Education. Parents and Guardians are advised not to purchase textbooks outside the approved list.
Publishers and schools are also prohibited from imposing workbooks or other materials that unnecessarily increase the financial burden on parents. - Implementation of the Revised NERDC Curriculum
All public and private schools must implement the revised curricula developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) for the relevant classes. - Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies are restricted to recognised certificate/exit classes, namely Primary 6, JSS 3 and SS 3. Graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery and other non-exit classes are prohibited. - Establishment of Anti-Drug Clubs
All public and private schools are required to establish Anti-Drug Clubs to promote awareness, prevention, reporting and responsible behaviour among learners, in line with the Government’s efforts to combat drug abuse in schools. - Strengthening of Anti-Bullying Measures
All schools must establish functional Anti-Bullying Committees to prevent and promptly address bullying and other forms of misconduct.
Any learner found culpable of serious bullying or related misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with school regulations and Government policy. - Student Identification Number System
All schools are required to implement the Student Identification Number (Student ID) System for every learner.
The identification number will remain with the learner throughout their educational journey in Cross River State, including when the learner transfers from one school to another.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening student tracking, improving educational planning, reducing discrepancies in enrolment figures and ensuring accurate student records across the State.
COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY
The Ministry of Education hereby urges all school proprietors, heads of schools, teachers, parents and other stakeholders to ensure full compliance with these directives.
The Government remains committed to providing a safe, disciplined, affordable and quality learning environment for every child in Cross River State. All concerned are therefore advised to take these directives seriously and ensure a smooth commencement of the 2026/2027 Academic Session.
Signed:
Inaku Theresa Iyozo (Mrs)
Director of Schools
For: Commissioner for Education