By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has continued its statewide review of education policies with a stakeholders’ engagement for the Northern Educational Zone, aimed at strengthening the implementation of reforms for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The forum, convened by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, on Thursday at Government Secondary School, Igoli-Ogoja, brought together Principals and Head Teachers from Ogoja, Yala, Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku Local Government Areas.
Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr Afiong Ugbaja; representatives of the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (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 the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS).
Prof. Odey said the interactive session provided an opportunity to assess the performance of the education sector, celebrate achievements and address challenges. He reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to prioritising education and urged school administrators to deliver diligently on their responsibilities.
He 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 Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) certificates were being compiled for distribution and stressed the importance of Student Index Numbers for proper record-keeping, student tracking and reducing unnecessary transfers.
The Commissioner directed schools to maintain accurate student data, remit approved levies and report unapproved institutions, noting that illegal schools would be shut down immediately. He also revealed that teachers would soon undergo retraining to enhance data management and ensure compliance with the new national curriculum.
On other policy measures, Prof. Odey highlighted the recruitment of additional teachers and staff promotions, adding that the governor was committed to addressing these needs. He warned against truancy and negligence of duty, stating that “the future of our children must remain the top priority.”
He further directed schools to maintain cleanliness, keep proper nominal rolls, use only approved textbooks and establish anti-drug and anti-bullying clubs. He also announced strict compliance with the new closing times—1:00 p.m. for primary schools and 2:00 p.m. for secondary schools—stressing that extra lessons after official hours would no longer be allowed to help learners retain knowledge without undue stress.
The meeting was well-attended by critical stakeholders across the education sector in the Northern Zone, reflecting the state government’s ongoing drive to strengthen the delivery of quality education.
