The leadership of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Cross River State branch, has congratulated the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, on his recent elevation to the status of Professor by the University of Calabar.
This warm acknowledgment was conveyed during a courtesy visit by the Executive members of NAPPS, led by Pastor Abraham Osok, to the Commissioner in his office in Calabar on Wednesday.
Pastor Osok described Professor Odey as the right person for the job and commended his ongoing reforms in the education sector.
The association lead particularly praised the Ministry’s digitalization efforts and the prompt online release of placement examination results, viewing these innovations as significant milestones in advancing education delivery in the State.
He stated that, "For the past 15 years, we have not seen such positive changes in the Ministry of Education. Today, our schools are enjoying peace and progress because of your interventions. We are proud to have you as a father figure in the sector.”
In his response, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, expressed gratitude to NAPPS for their goodwill and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with private school proprietors.
Professor Odey emphasized that education is a global enterprise that requires synergy, innovation, and consistency to meet modern demands.
He encouraged all school proprietors to attend the mandatory stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, where critical issues affecting both public and private schools will be discussed.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Barr. Francis Oyije, urged NAPPS executives to ensure full compliance with Ministry guidelines and assured them of the government’s readiness to create a conducive environment for private schools to thrive alongside their public counterparts.
Patricia Ogbeche
