The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, represented His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Celebration held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. The event, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow,” celebrated the invaluable contributions of teachers to national development.
In his remarks, Senator Odey commended teachers for their unwavering dedication and reaffirmed the Otu-led administration’s commitment to enhancing teachers’ welfare and modernizing the education system in the State. He highlighted key initiatives of the administration, including the remodeling of the State Library, the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, and the full digitalization of the Ministry of Education’s examination processes.
The Commissioner also announced plans for the establishment of a Cross River State Education Trust Fund to ensure sustainable funding for education. He further revealed that the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has fully accessed counterpart funds to drive infrastructural development across schools in the State.
Professor Odey emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that the State has paid examination fees for indigent pupils and students to ensure that no child is left behind. He urged teachers to reciprocate government’s efforts through renewed dedication, professionalism, and integrity, while cautioning against absenteeism and misconduct.
In his goodwill message, the State NUT Chairman, Comrade (Amb.) Gregory I. Olayi, commended Governor Otu’s education reforms and described the appointment of Senator Prof Odey as a “wise choice” that has brought renewed direction and energy to the education sector.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey.
