Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education Cross River State, on Monday June 23, 2025 convened a high-level meeting with key education stakeholders and Ministry’s management, reaffirming his commitment to transparency, collaboration, and performance in the state’s education sector.

The Commissioner further highlighted a notable improvement in WAEC performance, with Cross River State achieving 72.1% in 2024, up from 68.9% in 2023. He commended principals, teachers, and stakeholders for this achievement and urged continued efforts. Furthermore, he noted the transition to online examination registration, a significant reform aimed at preventing examination malpractice and fraud. He announced that 3,306 schools have registered for the 2025 BECE and SS2 Mock Exams, representing 116,136 candidates, an increase from 107,609 candidates in 2024. Regarding State examination that is commencing next week (30th June, 2025), a robust monitoring and security framework was introduced. All examination materials will now be packaged and secured at the Ministry’s headquarters, with school-by-school and LGA-by-LGA sealing and dispatch. Directors and stakeholders will participate in the monitoring process to ensure examination integrity. Additionally, the Commissioner announced the Ministry’s plan to issue Basic Education Certificates (BECE) to JSS3 candidates beginning this year.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s zero tolerance stance on corruption, favoritism, and inefficiency. He urged all stakeholders to maintain discipline, dedication, and professionalism in supporting His Excellency, the State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu in building a stronger, better, and digitally driven education sector, appreciating the Governor for being passionate and poised to transform the State education sector. In attendance were prominent education stakeholders, including Dr. Mrs. Affiong Ugbaja, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; Barr. Francis A. Oyije, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Coordinating Supervisory Directions (CSDs) for all the education zones, Executive Secretaries of all LGEAs and representatives of SUBEB, STEB, SEB, NUT, ANCOPPS, and AOPSHON.

The meeting was fruitful as the Commissioner charged all stakeholders to be actively involved in policy implementation, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and accountability.

By SaintAugustine Adula Odey.