The Cross River State Ministry of Education has officially launched the Annual School Census for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years.
The kickoff event took place on Tuesday at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Calabar, focused on collecting data from public, private, and technical schools across the state to facilitate effective educational planning and policy-making.
During the launch, Senator Stephen Odey, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, welcomed various stakeholders and expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to enhancing the education system.
Odey emphasized that this Annual School Census will bolster the state’s educational framework through strategic planning and collaboration. The data collected will be instrumental in shaping upcoming policies and programs, in line with Governor Otu’s vision for a forward-thinking and inclusive education sector in Cross River State.
He stated, “We are diligently working to enhance the education sector in Cross River State.”
He thanked Governor Otu for covering the West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration fees for 14,804 students in the state who successfully cleared their mock exams.
Additionally, Odey announced the Governor’s endorsement of the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, recently signed into law on January 8, 2025, along with an allocated startup grant. He also mentioned that all academic results within the state have been digitized for global access, simplifying the verification process.
Senator Odey highlighted the importance of precise data collection during the census, affirming it as crucial for the future of the state’s education. He called on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), ministry directors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the census process is comprehensive, transparent, and free of errors.
“The data gathered must be accurate, as it will direct future planning and resource allocation,” he reiterated.
Odey praised Teckplus Digital Solutions, Future X, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) for their cooperation and contributions to the education sector.
Adebayo Adeyemi, Chief Operating Officer of Future X, praised Senator Odey for his leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing education in the state.
He remarked, “The education sector has made significant strides since Senator Stephen Odey took office. Cross River State is fortunate to have him in this position.”
Hon. Mike Egre, a National Council Member for the South-South Zone of NAPPS, assured stakeholders of private schools’ readiness to engage in the census initiative.
“Private schools are eager and committed to carrying out transparent and accurate data collection,” he stated while urging a swift distribution of census materials.
Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Tribune Online NG
