The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, has charged principals and head teachers in the Northern Education Zone to demonstrate discipline, integrity, accountability and strong leadership in the management of their schools.
Speaking during a meeting with school heads, Senator Odey stressed the need for administrators to maintain clean school environments, effectively supervise teaching and learning, dress appropriately and ensure that teachers are regular and committed to their duties.
The Commissioner warned against absenteeism, illegal levies and other unauthorised collections, stressing that such acts would attract appropriate sanctions. He also directed school heads to ensure the proper distribution of Basic Education Certificates, compliance with the Student Identification Number programme, accurate submission of students’ records and prompt resolution of examination and results-related issues.
“Performance and adherence to established rules will remain key considerations in continued leadership roles.”
Senator Odey commended the Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for his visionary leadership and passion for education, particularly for providing funds that facilitated the prompt release of students’ results.
He announced that the Ministry would intensify monitoring of schools and urged Education Secretaries, Coordinating Directors, principals and head teachers to take full responsibility for their respective schools and improve performance.
The Commissioner further disclosed ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages and improve school infrastructure, while directing school administrators to ensure strict compliance with approved textbooks and the implementation of the new curricula.
He also reiterated the need for timely payment of teachers’ salaries, noting that the Ministry would engage relevant local government authorities to address delays and ensure that teachers receive their entitlements.
Senator Odey urged school administrators to uphold fairness, professionalism and integrity, stressing that performance and adherence to established rules would remain key considerations in their continued leadership roles.
By Patricia Ogbeche
