Cross River State Education Commissioner Engages Northern Zone Principals, Unveils Key Reforms for 2025/2026 Session
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prioritising education as he met with principals and head teachers across the Northern Educational Zone to unveil key reforms for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The interactive meeting, held on Thursday at Government Secondary School, Igoli-Ogoja, brought together administrators from Ogoja, Yala, Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanliku Local Government Areas. Also in attendance were 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; and leaders of NUT and ANCOPPS.
Assessing Achievements and Addressing Challenges
Prof. Odey described the forum as a platform to review the state’s education policies, assess ongoing reforms, celebrate achievements, and address lingering challenges.
Reiterating Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of making education a top priority, he urged school administrators to deliver on their responsibilities with dedication and transparency.
Key Announcements for the 2025/2026 Academic Session
The Commissioner unveiled several policy directives, including:
- External Examination Registration: Heads of schools were directed to ensure prompt and accurate data uploads for external examinations to prevent unnecessary delays.
- Student Index Numbers: He emphasised the importance of maintaining accurate student data, assigning Student Index Numbers to facilitate record-keeping, tracking, and curbing illegal transfers.
- JSS3 Certificates: Prof. Odey revealed that certificates for Junior Secondary School students are currently being compiled for distribution.
- Illegal Institutions: He directed that all unapproved schools must be reported, stressing that illegal institutions will be shut down immediately.
- Teacher Training: The Commissioner disclosed plans for teachers to undergo retraining to enhance data management skills and ensure full compliance with the new national curriculum.
Teacher Recruitment, Promotions, and Discipline
Prof. Odey assured stakeholders that Governor Otu’s administration is committed to addressing teacher recruitment needs and staff promotions. He cautioned against truancy and negligence of duty, reminding teachers that the future of children must remain their top priority.
Cleanliness, Anti-Drug Clubs, and New Closing Times
Among other reforms, schools were directed to:
- Maintain cleanliness and proper nominal rolls.
- Use only approved textbooks.
- Establish anti-drug and anti-bullying clubs.
- Enforce new closing times—1:00 p.m. for primary schools and 2:00 p.m. for secondary schools—with no extra lessons permitted after official hours to help students learn effectively without undue stress.
Moving Education Forward
Prof. Odey stressed that these measures reflect Governor Otu’s broader vision to strengthen education delivery across Cross River State. Stakeholders at the meeting pledged to support the reforms and work closely with the government to achieve improved learning outcomes.
The Commissioner concluded by affirming that education remains the bedrock of societal development, and his ministry will continue to ensure policies are fully implemented for the benefit of learners statewide.
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