The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has trained 110 head teachers and principals on quality assurance procedures to strengthen school administration and improve teaching and learning outcomes across the State.
The four-day capacity-building workshop, organised by SUBEB's Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, was held under the theme "Improving the Capacity of School Leaders on Quality Assurance Procedures for Effective and Efficient School Administration."
The training focused on equipping school leaders with practical knowledge and skills in quality assurance, school supervision, accountability, and compliance with established educational standards.
Mrs Sherifat Lawal, representing the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Mrs Aisha Garba, described school leaders as critical drivers of efforts to achieve quality and effective basic education.
Lawal, who delivered the opening remarks at the workshop, urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve learning outcomes in their respective schools.
"We are the drivers of the actualisation process, particularly in ensuring the efficient delivery of education and translating our efforts into better educational outcomes," she said.
She said the federal government selected the participants for the training because of its confidence in their ability to acquire new knowledge, understand better ways of doing things, and apply them to achieve desirable results in schools.
According to her, the importance attached to the training reflects the commitment of both the federal government and the state administration to improving the quality of education.
"This explains the importance attached to this particular training. If our governor could be here to witness this workshop, he would understand the importance his administration attaches to improving the quality of education in the state," she said.
Lawal urged the school leaders to give the training their full attention and ensure the knowledge and skills acquired were effectively implemented in their various schools.
"I therefore urge you to give the training your rapt attention and ensure that, at the end of the programme, we are able to implement the knowledge and skills acquired here in our various schools," she said.
Representing the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs Fedelia Okpo Ene, at the workshop, Board Member I, Mr Joseph Ogar, also stressed the importance of continuous professional development for school leaders.
Ogar urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, particularly in strengthening school administration, supervision, and learning outcomes.
He noted that effective leadership remained critical to the delivery of quality basic education, adding that competent and well-trained school leaders were essential to maintaining educational standards.
The workshop was facilitated by officials and resource persons from UBEC and SUBEB, including Mrs Sherifat Lawal of UBEC, Abuja; Mr Omuta Obanovwe, UBEC State Coordinator, Cross River; Mrs Maryann Anyasi of UBEC, Cross River; Mr Kesta Anakwe of UBEC, Cross River; and Mr Oyama Egbe Sunday of SUBEB.
The Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, SUBEB, Mr Archibong Archibong Okon, also participated in the training.
Other dignitaries at the workshop included Mrs Theresa Nkwa Essien, Board Member II, and Dr Roseline Bisong, Board Member III.
At the conclusion of the training, certificates were presented to the participating headteachers and principals by Mr Joseph Ogar, Board Member I, and the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Dr Mrs MaryTheresa Ebe Agede.
The organisers expressed confidence that the training would enhance the capacity of school leaders to strengthen quality assurance mechanisms, provide effective leadership, and promote efficient administration in public basic education institutions across Cross River.
The workshop underscored the commitment of UBEC and Cross River SUBEB to continuous capacity development as a key strategy for improving the quality of basic education in the State.
By Joy Ndoma
