The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, has directed the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to conduct immediate elections into the state chapter's leadership. The directive reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process.
Professor Odey issued the order during a meeting with the National President of NAPTAN, Professor Boniface Odeh, and other education stakeholders at his office in Calabar. He explained that the meeting was convened in response to petitions and public concerns regarding the tenure of the current state executive.
Describing NAPTAN as a critical partner in the education sector, the Commissioner emphasized the need for a functional state executive to strengthen collaboration with the government in advancing quality education.
He also urged the association to accelerate work on the ICT Centres approved by the Cross River State Government for selected schools, expressing disappointment over the slow pace of implementation.
"The ICT project is vital to improving digital learning in our schools. I urge you to increase the pace of work so that the centres can be commissioned and put to use without further delay," he said.
In response, the NAPTAN National President, Professor Boniface Odeh, assured the Commissioner that the association would follow its constitutional procedures in transitioning the state leadership and would expedite the completion of the ICT Centre projects in line with the government’s expectations.
By Patricia Ogbeche
