C’River: Odey Reaffirms Education Reforms at Year-End Meeting
By Jodex OKORO
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, has reaffirmed his commitment to reforms, accountability and improved welfare in the education sector.
Odey spoke on Friday, December 12, 2025, during the ministry’s end of year meeting with management and staff in Calabar. He said the annual engagement provides an opportunity to review achievements, address challenges and outline projections for the coming year.
He commended all departments for their dedication, with special praise for the Quality Assurance and Exams and Certificate Unit for their commitment to the ministry’s mandate.
Highlighting key achievements in 2025, the Commissioner said two long serving casual workers who had spent up to 12 years earning between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 monthly were absorbed into the system and are now receiving full salaries.
Odey also spoke on the strengthened partnership with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, noting that over 1,420 private schools have been approved under his leadership. He stressed that all private schools must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to sanitize the sector.
He disclosed that 905 illegal private schools were identified during a recent review, adding that following approval from the Governor, enforcement actions commenced. According to him, 256 schools have since regularized their operations, while over 251 others have purchased approval forms, generating revenue for the state. He warned that illegal schools would not be tolerated when activities resume in January 2026.
On financial reforms, the Commissioner said revenue generation improved after sanitizing processes and eliminating under declaration in school enrollment records.
He announced the release of all state examination results, issuance of Junior Secondary School Certificates and commencement of registration for the 2026 examinations. He added that the ministry is prepared for a comprehensive book review exercise once government approval is received.
Odey further disclosed that additional office furniture has been provided, with more expected in early 2026 to improve staff working conditions.
He also presented Christmas palliatives to management and staff, describing the gesture as personal support in appreciation of their dedication. He urged workers to return after the holidays with renewed commitment, noting that the ministry’s performance in 2025 earned national recognition.
The Commissioner charged staff to remain committed to the education vision of Governor Bassey Otu and disclosed his recent appointment to the Governing Council of the National Teachers’ Institute, which he attributed partly to the ministry’s achievements.
Responding on behalf of staff, the Director of Administration, Mr. Obetem Obetem, described Odey as an exemplary leader who prioritizes staff welfare and inclusive leadership. He assured the Commissioner of continued commitment to sustaining the ministry’s progress for the benefit of Cross River State.
