Senator Associate Professor Stephen Odey, Cross River State Commissioner for Education, on Thursday June 26, 2025 convened a meeting with the host community leaders and the management of UBEC Model Vocational Secondary School – Akpabuyo, to address concerns regarding the forthcoming PTA elections, specifically the request by community members that the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman be selected from among community indigenes.
Associate Professor Odey, the Commissioner, extended a warm welcome to the guests, highlighting that UBEC Model Secondary School is a government-owned institution, distinct from community-run entities. He underscored that administrative matters pertaining to the school fall within the Ministry of Education’s domain and emphasized the importance of merit-based PTA leadership, rather than one driven by ethnic considerations. Additionally, he provided clarity on the utilization of PTA funds and the School-Based Management Committee’s role, while advocating for rotational leadership and peaceful coexistence between the school and its host community as he further acknowledged His Excellency, the State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s dedication to revolutionizing the education sector and the necessity of stakeholders’ support for optimal outcomes.
The Commissioner encouraged all stakeholders to foster peace, transparency, and cooperation in the interest of students success and educational development. In attendance at the meeting were Mr. Clement Xavier, Principal, UBEC Model Vocational School, Akpabuyo; His Highness Chief Charles Bassey Edet, Village Head, Atimbo Ekpo-Edem; Comrade Paulinus Ntul Abum, current PTA Chairman; Mr. Bassy Ifem, Community Public Relations Officer; and other school staff and community representatives.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey,
June 27, 2025.
