The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, has inaugurated the State Executive of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) as part of efforts to deepen community participation in school administration and improve access to basic education across the state.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday in Calabar, drew key stakeholders in the education sector, including government officials, community leaders, and development partners committed to advancing learning outcomes.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of SUBEB, Magistrate Fedelia Okpo Ene (rtd), charged members of the newly inaugurated executive to uphold transparency, accountability, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
She commended Governor Bassey Otu for his continued support for educational reforms and policies aimed at strengthening the sector.
According to Ene, the SBMC serves as a critical platform for grassroots engagement, enabling communities to actively participate in the management and development of schools.
“The role of the State Executive is simple but powerful: to mobilize communities, ensure accountability, and work with school authorities to improve learning for every child,” she said.
She further urged members to intensify efforts to return out-of-school children to the classroom, stressing that leaving children on the streets poses long-term social and security risks.
“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 Mobilization and Coordinator of the Committee, Mr. Abua Sunday Afo, described the inauguration as a major step toward promoting inclusiveness and strengthening community ownership of schools.
He noted that the SBMC plays a vital role in safeguarding school activities, promoting gender equality, mobilizing community and diaspora support, and fostering partnerships for infrastructure and library development.
Afo explained that members of the executive were selected based on their integrity, commitment to education, and track record of service, adding that the committee aligns with UBEC’s vision that “education for all is the responsibility of all.”
The newly inaugurated State Executive is headed by Etubom Ededem Ita as Chairman, with Francis Effiong Inameti as Vice Chairman and Ishie Sunday Adugba as Secretary.
Other members include Inock Joseph Ulom (Financial Secretary), Chief Raymond Apie Nandi (Treasurer), Henry Mannah (Public Relations Officer), Inaku Paulina (SBMC Desk Officer), Onah David Obule (Nigeria Union of Teachers representative), Mrs. Theresa Iyozo Emeka (Ministry of Education representative), Rev. Patrick Ofem (Religious representative), Mrs. Carolette Henshaw (Women representative), Agida Peter (Youth representative), and Solomon Ndem (Civil Society representative).
By Joy Ndoma
