January 22, 2025

Earlier today, Senator (Associate Professor) Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, received the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Calabar, the delegation was led by Comrade Gregory Olayi, Cross River State NUT Chairman, and Mr Nsa Etim, ANCOPS Chairman, they had a productive discussion about State examinations which includes JSS 3 BECE, SS 2 Mock, and WAEC registration to ensure a seamless process, they further appealed for the equipping of all the Science laboratories across public schools in the State among other requests.

The Commissioner extended a warm welcome to the delegation of NUT and ANCOPSS, expressing gratitude for their cooperation in achieving the successes of the previous year, particularly the timely release of State exams. This year, the Commissioner announced that His Excellency, Governor Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the State Executive Council have graciously approved his Memo for WAEC registration, also authorizing the release of N399,708,000.00 to WAEC to register 14,804 candidates of Cross River State origin for the 2025 WAEC Examination at a cost of N27,000.00 per candidate. Regarding the re-accreditation of WAEC centers due for renewal, the Commissioner promised that the issue would be adequately addressed after consultation with critical stakeholders as he also solicited for input from the delegation. Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized that the newly introduced online registration for JSS 3 BECE is designed to prevent irregularities, such as the inadequate supply of question papers experienced last year.

Continuing, the Commissioner said, “the school census is of great importance for school development, NUT and ANCOPSS by this information, mandated to inform their members of the forthcoming school census, encompassing both public and private schools. Furthermore, they are tasked with notifying the Ministry of any illegal schools in their respective areas. The Commissioner further emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship, with the ultimate goal of achieving the Governor Otu’s vision to transform the State Education sector.

By SaintAugustine Adula Odey