The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, has charged principals and head teachers in the Southern Education Zone to embrace professionalism, accountability and effective service delivery as schools prepare to resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Professor Odey gave the charge during a pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting with principals and head teachers at the West African People’s Institute, WAPI, Calabar. He outlined key directives and reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning across the State.
He directed school administrators to ensure that their schools are clean, safe and conducive for learning ahead of the September 14 resumption date. He stressed that teaching must commence on the first day of the new academic session, irrespective of the number of pupils or students present.
The Commissioner also urged principals and head teachers to lead by example by continuously updating their knowledge and improving their administrative and digital skills.
He warned that the Ministry would intensify monitoring of schools through both scheduled and unscheduled visits to assess compliance with government policies and identify areas requiring intervention.
Professor Odey commended education managers for their role in the successful conduct and prompt release of the state’s examination results, including the Primary Six Placement Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination, BECE, and SS II Mock Examination. He noted that the digitalisation of the processes had made it possible for students to access their results online without travelling to Calabar.
He warned against late examination registration and errors in students’ registration and continuous assessment records, and directed school heads to take greater responsibility for the digital processes.
He said the Ministry was working towards further innovations that would enable students to download their certificates online after results are released.
The Commissioner announced that the state would implement a Student Identification Number for every learner. The number, he said, would remain with the student throughout their educational journey in Cross River State, including during transfers from one school to another. According to him, the initiative would improve student tracking, strengthen planning and eliminate discrepancies in school enrolment figures.
On curriculum implementation, Professor Odey disclosed that the Ministry had obtained approved revised curricula from the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, for the new academic session. He warned schools against using unauthorised curriculum materials.
He also reiterated the Ministry’s directive that only approved textbooks should be used in schools, and directed principals and head teachers to obtain the official approved textbook list before recommending books to students or parents.
On teachers’ welfare, the Commissioner said the state government had prioritised the payment of outstanding salaries and the implementation of approved promotions. He urged school administrators to reciprocate the government’s commitment by ensuring that teachers report to duty and that students receive quality instruction.
He warned against shielding absentee teachers, stressing that administrators who protect teachers who collect salaries without reporting for duty would face disciplinary action.
The Commissioner further directed school administrators to report cases of encroachment or trespass on school lands and other challenges affecting their schools to the appropriate education boards for prompt intervention.
Professor Odey urged education secretaries, coordinating directors, board chairmen, executive secretaries and other stakeholders to work collectively to achieve the administration’s education objectives.
He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his commitment to the education sector, noting that the state had continued to record progress in infrastructure, digitalisation, examination administration, teacher welfare and other areas of educational development.
The Commissioner stressed that transforming the education sector is a collective responsibility. He urged principals and head teachers to justify the confidence reposed in them by government through discipline, integrity, accountability and commitment to duty.
He assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to monitor schools and enforce compliance with government policies, stressing that the ultimate goal of the reforms is to provide a better learning environment and improve educational outcomes for children across Cross River State.
By Patricia Ogbeche
