In continuation of the statewide review of education policies, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, on Thursday engaged Principals and Head Teachers of the Northern Educational Zone—comprising Ogoja, Yala, Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku LGAs—on the implementation of reforms for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The meeting, held at Government Secondary School, Igoli-Ogoja, also had in attendance the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Mrs. Afiong Ugbaja; representatives of the Executive Chairman of CR-SUBEB; Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Education and the Secondary Education Board; Directors, Education Secretaries, Coordinating Supervisory Directors, as well as leaders of NUT and ANCOPPS.
Prof. Odey described the forum as an opportunity to assess the performance of the state’s education sector, celebrate achievements, and address challenges. He reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to making education a top priority and urged school administrators to deliver diligently on their responsibilities.
The Commissioner announced the imminent commencement of external examination registration, directing heads of schools to ensure prompt and accurate data uploads to avoid delays. He further disclosed that JSS3 certificates are currently being compiled for distribution and emphasized the importance of Student Index Numbers for proper record-keeping, student tracking, and curbing unnecessary transfers.
Prof. Odey charged schools to maintain accurate student data, remit all approved levies, and report unapproved institutions, stressing that illegal schools will be shut down immediately. He revealed that teachers will soon undergo retraining to enhance data management and ensure full compliance with the new national curriculum.
Highlighting other policy measures, the Commissioner spoke on the recruitment of additional teachers, staff promotions, and Governor Otu’s commitment to addressing these needs. He cautioned against truancy and negligence of duty, reminding teachers that “the future of our children must remain the top priority.”
He further emphasized that all schools must maintain cleanliness, proper nominal rolls, use only approved textbooks, and establish anti-drug and anti-bullying clubs. Prof. Odey also announced strict compliance with the new closing times—1:00 p.m. for primary schools and 2:00 p.m. for secondary schools—adding that extra lessons after official hours will no longer be allowed to help learners retain knowledge without undue stress.
The interactive meeting was well-attended by critical stakeholders across the state’s education sector.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey
