“Child labour is a punishable offence by law, desist from infringement on any Child’s Right,” Senator Odey warned.
Sequel to the public outcry of the perceived child labour in Community Secondary School Apiapum in Obubra LGA, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey Ph D , summoned all the public schools Principals in Obubra LGA to an emergency meeting held earlier today in Community Secondary School Apiapum. The Commissioner in his quest to sanitise the system acted swiftly, and the defaulting teacher has been pointed out and queried already by the School Principal, Mr Okon Bassey Etim through the Commissioner.
The Commissioner, further addressed the Principals extensively, with emphasis that they should not enslave any child, anyone found wanting will face the wrath of the law; Also stick only to the Ministry’s approved levies, and ensure that teachers teach and cover the syllabus. Principals should always submit correct data of students to the Ministry, emphasizing that Education is the foundation for a better future, hence all the children under their care, should be properly trained, both academically and morally.
After much deliberation about best practices, the Principals pledged their unalloyed support to the Commissioner and the Governor Otu’s led administration, saying that, the Commissioner is very committed and poised to revamp the State education sector for the better, his good work is not a witch – hunt on anyone, but is rather to keep workers committed to better service delivery.
Mrs Ugbong Juliana Iwali, the Principal – Community Secondary Commercial School Ofodua, thanks the Commissioner for his proactiveness since his assumption in office, stating that his reforms and policies are in line with the National policy. Another principal, Sir Thomas Obia of Mbembe Community Secondary School, expressed his joy and noted that Senator Odey, is the first Commissioner in history to come and interface with them personally like this, he on behalf of his colleagues congratulated and promised to support the Commissioner, as they have known that the Commissioner mean so well for the Education sector. Again the Principal of Community Secondary School Apiapum – the Host Principal, thanked the Commissioner on behalf of all his colleagues, promising never to be involved in any form of misconduct. In your less than one year in office, you have corrected so many errors and we will give you all the support and cooperation in the discharge of your duties, the Principals assured.
Finally the Commissioner addressed the Staff of Community Secondary School Apiapum and by extension, all the teachers in Obubra LGA, to take their jobs seriously, and never skip any period of work, as his team will continue to move round and evaluate teachers performances and the best teacher will be rewarded.
“My address to the staff of this school, is a warning signal to all the schools and teachers in Cross River State, my team will continue to move round the state to ensure that the best standard is entrenched and sustained in Cross River State schools,” he emphasised….
