The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with the support of the Cross River State Government, has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop on Environmental and Social Safeguard Best Practices to strengthen the planning, implementation and monitoring of basic education infrastructure across the state.
The workshop, which began at the Calabar Sports Club, assembled education officers and other key stakeholders from the 18 local government areas, with participants expected to acquire practical skills for integrating environmental and social safeguard principles into school infrastructure projects.
The training is aimed at ensuring that the construction and rehabilitation of schools are carried out in ways that protect host communities, promote environmental sustainability and provide safe, inclusive learning environments for pupils.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs. Fedelia Okpo Ene, the Board Secretary, Mr. Etta Inyang, said the initiative underscores the Board’s commitment to delivering quality educational infrastructure that aligns with global best practices while safeguarding both people and the environment.
He explained that the training is being conducted in phases across the state’s three senatorial districts to ensure broader participation and effective knowledge transfer. According to him, participants have been carefully selected to serve as champions of environmental and social safeguard compliance in their respective areas of responsibility.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs. Fedelia Okpo Ene, described environmental and social safeguards as fundamental to sustainable development, stressing that every education project must be implemented with due regard for environmental protection and the welfare of host communities.
“As we expand access to basic education through the construction and rehabilitation of schools, we must ensure that our projects are implemented responsibly and with due regard for the wellbeing of our communities,” she said.
Mrs. Ene encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, exchange experiences and apply the knowledge gained to improve project delivery across the state. She also commended the facilitators and development partners for supporting the Board’s efforts to institutionalise environmental and social safeguard standards in basic education projects.
She noted that under the education transformation agenda of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the state government remains committed to building not only more schools but also safer, more resilient and environmentally responsible learning facilities capable of serving future generations.
Formally declaring the workshop open, Mr. Inyang reminded participants that the knowledge acquired would strengthen the implementation of education projects and improve compliance with environmental and social safeguard policies throughout the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Caroline Ana, commended Governor Otu for his sustained investment in the education sector and his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity. She equally praised the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs. Fedelia Okpo Ene, for making continuous capacity development a priority in the drive to improve basic education service delivery in Cross River State.
The workshop featured practical sessions with leading participants through key areas including environmental risk management, social safeguards and compliance measures for education projects.
By Joy Ndoma
