The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, held a management and stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar earlier on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to introduce a series of initiatives designed to reposition the education sector in preparation for the 2025/2026 academic session. During the meeting, Senator Odey highlighted the crucial role of commitment and innovation in driving a sustainable education sector, announcing that students’ certificates would be distributed free of charge once the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results are released. “Upon the release of the examination results, the corresponding performance records will be keyed in, ensuring that all eligible students receive their certificates without delay. This represents one of the new innovations we are introducing to reposition education in our state,” the Commissioner stated.
Professor Odey also emphasized the vital importance of reliable data for planning and attracting development support. He pointed out that inadequate and inconsistent data has been a recurring challenge and urged Directors, Zonal Coordinators, PRS officers, Executive Secretaries, and CR-SUBEB to focus on accurate and accessible data collection. To enhance transparency and accountability. The Commissioner further revealed that all unauthorized schools operating in the state would be shut down, as approved by the State Executive Council.
Senator Prof Odey, drew attention to the alarming rise in drug use among pupils and students, instructing school authorities to exercise vigilance and proactivity in tackling this issue. He stressed the importance of protecting the future of children, warning that close supervision is essential to prevent such behaviour from gaining traction among young learners. To combat drug use and bullying, he directed the creation of Anti-Drug and Anti-Bullying Clubs in all schools statewide and announced plans to meet with Principals and Head teachers across the educational zones.
The Commissioner and the Ministry’s Management has outlined sweeping reforms and all the decisions arrived at the meeting by the Stakeholders will be ratified and approved by the Governor before making them public. Professor Odey charged management members to foster a conducive working environment, avoid discrimination, and build a culture of inclusiveness. He commended His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu for setting a strong foundation for the education sector and pledged to consolidate on these achievements.
“The future of education in Cross River State depends on how diligently we embrace — accurate data management, innovative initiatives,, transparent certification, and strict regulatory compliance. Let us all rise and work together to strengthen our education system for the benefit of our children and generations to come,” the Commissioner remarked.
The meeting was attended by the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Dr Afiong Ugbaja; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Barr. Francis Adebe Oyije; Executive Chairman CR-SUBEB, Elder Dr Esu E. Esu; Technical Education Board Executive Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Achibong; Coordinating Supervisory Directors; all Executive Secretaries of the 18 LGAs; representatives of ANCOPPS, AOPSHON, SEB, and STEB; as well as all Directors of the Ministry.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey
