BY PATRICIA OGBECHE
The Cross River State Ministry of Education has announced the completion of printing for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) certificates, assuring parents, schools, and stakeholders that the documents are now ready for collection.
Speaking during a briefing with education stakeholders, including representatives of NAPS and ANCORS, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that every child possesses proof of completing basic education before proceeding to skills acquisition or further studies.
Senator Odey noted that many students attempt to enroll in vocational training without any formal evidence of their educational level. “How can a child say they are going to learn a skill when they have nothing to show that they have completed a certain level of education? That is why the basic education certificate is critical and fundamental,” he said.
The Commissioner revealed that previous administrations did not produce these certificates, a situation he immediately moved to rectify. “When I discovered that the Ministry was not printing these certificates, I approached the government to ensure they were produced. Today, I am pleased to inform you that the certificates for the recently concluded 2025 basic education exam are ready,” he announced.
According to Senator Odey, a number of schools have been selected as sample centers for the initial distribution phase, after which all schools across the state may proceed to collect their students’ certificates from the Director of Exams.
He reiterated that the Ministry’s mandate focuses on delivering quality education and not revenue generation. “Our duty is not to make money. Our duty is to ensure that no Cross River child is left out of school. That is why we are working with all stakeholders, including community groups and non-governmental organizations,” he said.
Providing updates on preparations for the next examination cycle, the Commissioner confirmed that registration for the 2026 BECE has already commenced. He emphasized that deadlines will not be extended and urged schools to ensure that all eligible students are registered within the approved period.
Senator Odey also issued a strong warning to both public and private schools against charging students for certificate collection. “The certificates will be distributed free of charge. Do not collect any money from students or parents. I made a promise that there would be no charges this year, and I am keeping that promise,” he stressed.
He further cautioned institutions against attempting to register unlisted candidates after deadlines or negotiating unofficial inclusion with examination officers, noting that any child not appearing on the Ministry’s dashboard would be considered unregistered.
The Commissioner urged parents, school administrators, and stakeholder groups to educate students on the importance of proper registration and certificate collection. “Do what is expected so that everyone will know we are working. This is not business as usual,” he added.
Senator Odey concluded by expressing his appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his unwavering commitment to educational reforms. “I thank him for all the wonderful reforms in the sector,” he said.
