The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, has successfully mediated a peace meeting between the management of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute TCTI) and officials of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Calabar, was convened to address and resolve all outstanding issues between the management of the Institute and its non-academic staff.
The management and NASU delegation was led by the Director General of TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, while key officials of the Ministry of Education were also in attendance.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ntunkae Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, welcomed all stakeholders and management staff, commending their willingness to engage in dialogue in the interest of peace and institutional progress.
While mediating the discussions, Senator Odey ensured that all matters were thoroughly examined, stressing that every issue raised must be adequately addressed and fully resolved. He emphasized that resolution should not be cosmetic, but driven by the right actions and the right outcomes.
The Commissioner charged all parties to act responsibly and ensure that only lawful and proper procedures guide their actions going forward.
He further urged the Director-General and the management team of TCTI to work closely with the union leadership, carry them along in decision-making processes, and promote absolute and sustained peace within the Institute.
According to him, any action capable of undermining the prevailing peace would attract decisive intervention, with responsibility clearly placed on those involved.
Senator Odey also noted that Governor Senator Dr. Bassey Edet Otu is a peace-oriented leader who remains committed to harmony and development across the state. He stressed that the Governor would not be pleased with conflicts arising from an institution that has significant developmental plans and a promising future.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence in the interest of institutional growth and staff welfare.
The meeting was attended by Dr. (Mrs.) Afiong Ugbaja, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education; Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Director-General of TCTI; Chief Obeten Obeten, Director of Administration; as well as other key stakeholders, management staff of the Ministry of Education, management staff of TCTI, and officials of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).
Patricia Ogbeche
