Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education, Cross River State, convened a meeting with Mission and private school heads in Calabar on Monday, May 5, 2025, to address their non-compliance with the ministry’s resumption date for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic session. He expressed disappointment with their actions and underscored the importance of cooperation to achieve optimal results in the education sector.
Representatives from Mission Schools, including Rev. Fr. Justin Udie and Rev. Fr. Henry Etalong, and Comrade Bassey Anwam of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, attended the meeting with the Commissioner. Rev. Fr. Justin Udie apologized for schools that defaulted and pledged adherence to the Ministry’s guidelines. He also appealed for caution rather than punishment for the defaulting schools. Comrade Bassey Anwam similarly promised compliance with the Ministry’s directives.
The Commissioner for Education emphasized the significance of uniform school resumption dates and the Ministry’s commitment to transforming the education system. The Governor is passionate and poised to take education to the next level as he has also initiated various programs, including registering students for WAEC exams, establishing a new university, and promoting the “People’s First” mantra. After extensive deliberation, the affected school Heads were issued warning letters; the meeting was attended by the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Afiong Ugbaja, the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Francis Oyije, the Director of Administration, Mrs. Gloria Lukpata, the Director of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ngozi Offiong, and the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Cyril Itam.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey
