BY PATRICIA OGBECHE (IPRO)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., on Wednesday, January 4, 2026, carried out an unscheduled inspection visit to selected schools in Calabar, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen education reforms and promote the wellbeing of learners.
The visit was aimed at monitoring compliance with the state’s recently introduced policy which mandates primary schools to close by 1:00 p.m. and secondary schools by 2:00 p.m., in order to reduce learning fatigue and enhance pupils’ overall welfare.
Schools visited by the Commissioner included Auntie Margaret International Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar, as well as God’s Grace International Nursery and Primary School, Old Ikang, Calabar.
During an interactive session with teachers, the Commissioner observed that some pupils and students were still on school premises as late as 3:00 p.m. School authorities explained that the children had concluded classes on time but were waiting for their parents and guardians to come and pick them up.
Senator Professor Odey commended the schools for adhering to the policy and used the opportunity to appeal to parents to ensure timely pickup of their children after school hours. He emphasized that prompt pickup would allow pupils and students adequate time to rest, relax, and recover from the day’s academic activities.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a child-friendly learning environment that balances quality education with the physical and mental wellbeing of learners across Cross River State.
