Earlier on Monday, February 17, 2025, Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Prof) Stephen Odey, accompanied by Ministry Directors, Mr Cyril Itam, Director Special Duties, and Dr. Moses Agboreyo, Director Higher Education and Policy, conducted an impromptu visit to St Joseph Primary School Okuku Yala, at 7:45 am, where only 8 out of 21 teachers were present. The Commissioner expressed concern regarding the poor punctuality of teachers and pupils, directing the Head teacher, Mr Patrick Erenje, to issue queries to absent teachers and improve on pupils punctuality to school. Subsequently, the Commissioner and his team proceeded to Igbeku Comprehensive Secondary School, Imaje-Yala Local Government Area, at about 8:00 am, the Principal was seen conducting morning assembly. The Commissioner commended the Principal, Mr James Olima, for proactive leadership, students’ neatness, and the clean learning environment. Out of 20 teaching staff, 11 were present, and the Principal was also directed to issue queries to absent teachers, copying the Commissioner’s office, requiring absent teachers to visit the Ministry to explain their reasons for absence from duty.

The Commissioner and his team further embarked on an inspection tour of some schools within Ogoja Local Government Area, commencing with Government Girls Secondary School Igoli at approximately 8:40 am. There, they met with the Principal Mrs Adinya Lucy and observed teaching and learning activities in progress. The Commissioner underscored the significance of utilizing instructional materials to enhance and internalize learning outcomes by teachers. Subsequently, the team visited Holy Child Convent Primary School Igoli, where they commended the Head teacher Mrs Ngaji Esther for maintaining a conducive learning environment. The Commissioner encouraged the staff to sustain their efforts, while noting the need for repairs to the school’s ceiling in the junior primary school block. At St Theresa’s Primary School Abakpa, Ogoja, the team observed a favourable learning environment, but the Head teacher Mr Ngbantul Peter, reported concerns regarding security breaches, theft, and the deplorable state of the school’s toilet facilities. The Education Secretary of Ogoja LGEA Mr Ernest Otung, and the Coordinating Supervisory Director (CSD), Mrs Felicia Eweh, who were in the team were instructed to compile a report for the Commissioner’s prompt attention.

In Bekwarra Local Government Area, the Commissioner and his team conducted an inspection of Community Secondary School Ugboro. During classroom activities, they observed poor seating arrangements, poor classroom management, and a significant number of learners without seats, hindering their ability to learn and take notes comfortably. As of 10:00 am, some students were still arriving late to school without books. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of discipline among members of the teaching staff and strongly condemned the looting of school properties, including the theft of computers facilitated by Rt. Hon Legor Idagbo, former Member House of Representatives to the school. He urged community members, leaders, and stakeholders to protect government property in their locality, highlighting that Governor Otu’s administration is working diligently to transform the Education sector. The Commissioner directed that within two weeks, parents of students lacking seats should provide lockers and seats for their children; stressing that unscheduled visits to schools across the State will become a routine to ensure desired outcomes.

By SaintAugustine Adula Odey