According to a report posted on August Odey’s Blog, the Cross River State Ministry of Education has officially confirmed the completion of the printing of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) certificates, signalling a significant step towards strengthening documentation and accountability in the state’s education system. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar, has been met with cautious optimism by schools, parents and education stakeholders across the state.

Education stakeholders gathered at the briefing included representatives of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), alongside senior civil servants and ministry officials. Speaking with newsmen, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, stressed the crucial importance of ensuring that every child who completes basic education in Cross River State receives valid proof of that achievement.

According to Akahi News, Professor Odey raised concern over the growing trend of students attempting to move into vocational training, apprenticeships or other forms of skills acquisition without any formal documentation of their academic progression.

“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,” the Commissioner stated during the briefing.

A First of Its Kind Initiative in the State

In what he described as a long-standing gap in the education system, Professor Odey revealed that the Ministry had previously not been issuing BECE certificates consistently, a situation he found alarming upon assumption of office.

He told newsmen that it was the first time in recent history that a deliberate, comprehensive effort was made by the government to print and prepare BECE certificates for distribution to successful candidates.

“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 Examination are ready,” he announced.

Akahi News learnt that this intervention is not only about paperwork but part of a broader strategy by the Cross River State Government to rebuild public confidence in the credibility, structure and functionality of the education system.

Sample Schools Selected for Initial Distribution

To ensure a smooth and organised rollout, the Commissioner disclosed that a number of schools across the state have been selected as sample centres for the initial phase of certificate distribution. Once this phase is successfully completed, all other schools will then be able to collect their students’ certificates directly from the Director of Examinations at the state Ministry of Education.

According to Akahi News, this phased approach is designed to prevent chaos, duplication, loss of certificates and unauthorised interference in the distribution process.

Professor Odey used the opportunity to clarify that the Ministry’s overriding priority is access to quality education rather than 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 organisations,” he said.

This stance was widely applauded by many of the education stakeholders present, who described it as a refreshing departure from practices that have, in the past, placed unnecessary financial burdens on parents and guardians.

Strong Warning Against Illegal Charges

In strong and unequivocal terms, the Commissioner warned both public and private schools against demanding any form of payment from students or parents for the collection of the 2025 BECE certificates.

“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.

Akahi News gathered that this directive will be closely monitored, and any institution found to be in violation of the order may face disciplinary action from the Ministry.

This declaration has brought relief to many parents across the state, especially those in low-income communities who have often struggled with hidden levies and unofficial fees imposed in the name of administration.

Registration for 2026 BECE Now Open

Providing updates on future academic planning, Professor Odey also announced that registration for the 2026 BECE has officially commenced. He made it clear that no extensions will be granted once the registration window closes.

Schools have therefore been urged to act promptly and ensure that all eligible students are registered within the approved timeframe.

He further cautioned against attempts by any school or individual to smuggle in unregistered candidates or engage in backdoor negotiations with examination officers.

“Any child not appearing on the Ministry’s dashboard will be considered unregistered,” he stated firmly.

According to Akahi News, the Ministry is working to enhance its digital tracking system to eliminate loopholes, improve transparency and ensure that only duly registered candidates sit for the examination.

Call to Parents, Teachers and Stakeholders

The Commissioner called on parents, school administrators, teachers and education-focused organisations to play their roles by educating students on the importance of early registration and proper certificate documentation.

“Do what is expected so that everyone will know we are working. This is not business as usual,” he added.

His tone reflected a renewed sense of urgency and accountability that many observers believe is necessary to reverse years of neglect in some areas of the education sector.

Commendation for Governor Bassey Otu

In his concluding remarks, Senator Professor Odey expressed appreciation to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his support and dedication to educational reforms.

“I thank His Excellency for all the wonderful reforms in the education sector,” the Commissioner noted.

According to Akahi News, the current administration has placed education among its top priorities, alongside healthcare, security and economic empowerment — a strategy that observers say could reshape the state’s future if consistently implemented.

A Defining Moment for Cross River’s Education Sector

Education analysts who spoke with Akahi News described the move as a defining moment in Cross River State’s approach to basic education. Proper certification not only validates learning but also gives young people a sense of identity, progression and opportunity as they move towards higher education or skilled professions.

For thousands of students who sat for the 2025 BECE, the long wait for official certification is finally coming to an end — and with it, renewed hope for a more organised and accountable education system.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here: https://akahinews.org/Joseph/
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