The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey, has undertaken a needs assessment visit to selected schools in the Calabar metropolis, reaffirming the government's commitment to fostering safer and more conducive learning environments for pupils and students.
The assessment tour took the Commissioner to Government Secondary School, Akim, and Pinn Margaret Secondary School, Calabar South, where he engaged with school administrators and conducted an on-the-spot evaluation of existing facilities.
According to Prof. Odey, the exercise is aimed at identifying critical gaps in infrastructure, teaching resources, and staff welfare. He noted that interventions would be prioritized to enhance learning outcomes, not only within the metropolis but across the entire state.
At Government Secondary School, Akim, in Calabar Municipality, the Principal, Mrs. Amayo Edet, reported that the school has a total of 17 classrooms, all of which are in good condition and fully utilized for teaching and learning, alongside functional administrative facilities. She noted that two previously abandoned classrooms had been brought back into use over two years ago.
Mrs. Edet explained that some damage recorded within the school—including broken ceilings and damaged desks, was caused by students playing football inside classrooms. She also attributed the vandalism of windows and other infrastructure to hoodlums.
She further clarified that viral videos circulating on social media about the school did not accurately reflect its current State, emphasizing that the majority of classrooms remain conducive for effective teaching and learning.
At Pinn Margaret Secondary School, Calabar South, Prof. Odey inspected the long-standing dilapidated structures and acknowledged the poor condition of some buildings. He noted that the deterioration predates the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The Commissioner assured the school management that he would personally present the situation to the Governor for urgent action, describing him as a leader deeply committed to transforming the education sector in Cross River State.
"Having seen the condition of the school firsthand, I will personally brief His Excellency, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The Governor is passionate about education and remains dedicated to improving learning infrastructure across the state," said Prof. Odey.
He also urged school principals and administrators to maintain open lines of communication with the Ministry of Education by promptly reporting infrastructural challenges and other pressing concerns, enabling the government to respond swiftly and appropriately.
The inspection is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to monitor educational facilities across the State, verify public concerns, and ensure that Government interventions are based on verified facts rather than misinformation.
By Patricia Ogbeche
