The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has inaugurated the State Executive of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC). The move aims to strengthen community participation in school administration and improve access to basic education across the State.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the SUBEB office in Calabar, brought together education stakeholders, government representatives, and community leaders committed to advancing the State’s education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of SUBEB, Magistrate Fedelia Okpo Ene (Rtd.), charged the newly inaugurated executive members to remain transparent, committed, and proactive in carrying out their responsibilities. She commended Governor Bassey Otu for his commitment to educational reforms and support for policies aimed at improving learning outcomes in the state.
According to Mrs. Ene, the SBMC remains a vital platform for grassroots engagement and community participation in the management and development of schools.
“The role of the State Executive is simple but powerful: to mobilise communities, ensure accountability, and work with school authorities to improve learning for every child,” she stated.
She further urged members to intensify efforts toward returning out-of-school children to classrooms, warning that allowing children to remain on the streets could create future social and security challenges.
“There is no age limit to education. The SBMC aims to bring all street children back to school so they can become useful citizens tomorrow,” she added.
Earlier, the Director of Social Mobilisation and Coordinator of the Committee, Mr. Abua Sunday Afo, described the inauguration as a significant step toward promoting inclusiveness and active community participation in school management.
He noted that the SBMC plays a key role in safeguarding school activities, promoting gender equality, mobilising support from communities and the diaspora, and strengthening partnerships that encourage investment in educational infrastructure and library development.
Mr. Afo explained that members of the executive were carefully selected based on their integrity, passion for education, and contributions to the growth of the education sector in Cross River State. He added that the committee would help actualise UBEC’s vision that “Education for All is the Responsibility of All.”
The newly inaugurated SBMC State Executive includes:
· Coordinator: Mr. Abua Sunday Afo
· State Chairman: Etubom Ededem Ita
· Vice Chairman: Francis Effiong Inameti
· Secretary: Ishie Sunday Adugba
· Financial Secretary: Inock Joseph Ulom
· Treasurer: Chief Raymond Apie Nandi
· Public Relations Officer: Henry Mannah
Other members are: Inaku Paulina (SBMC Desk Officer); Onah David Obule (Representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT); Mrs. Theresa Iyozo Emeka (Representative of the Ministry of Education); Rev. Patrick Ofem (Religious Representative); Mrs. Carolette Henshaw (Women Representative); Agida Peter (Youth Representative); and Solomon Ndem (Civil Society Groups).
Joy Ndoma
