TWO ILLEGAL SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN AS C'RIVER EDUCATION COMMISSIONER MAKES UNSCHEDULED VISITS TO SCHOOLS IN IKOM AND ETUNG LGAs

 

February 18, 2025

The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Prof) Stephen Odey, conducted an unscheduled visit to schools in the Central Senatorial district, accompanied by Ministry Directors, Mr Cyril Itam, Director Special Duties, and Dr Moses Agboreyo, Director Higher Education and Policy. At Velos Secondary School Ikom, during the impromptu visit, 13 out of the 31 teachers were present at 7:40 am, with the morning assembly in progress, while the Principal and Vice Principal were absent. The Commissioner addressed the students, commending them for their neatness and organization, as observed during the morning assembly. He urged them to take their academics seriously, in preparation for future leadership roles. Furthermore, he addressed the teachers, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and commitment to their duties. The Commissioner directed the Coordinating Supervisory Director (CSD), Mrs Okongor Caroline Ndim, to issue queries to the Principal, Vice Principal, and absent teachers, as school business requires commitment and dedication.

The Commissioner and his team proceeded to visit Government Secondary School Asu-egbe, Ikom at 8:20 am, where 15 out of 22 teaching staff were present, and 3 were on sick leave. He recognized the need for intervention in the school's infrastructure due to population growth. However, he was disappointed with the school's poor organization, observing that students were not engaged in learning during morning hours due to rowdiness. He urged students and staff to excel and support government initiatives, emphasizing that the Principal Mr. Ogar Ogar Eku and his teaching staff, must play a pivotal role in shaping learners' character for lifelong learning.

The Commissioner and his team further moved to Government Secondary School Effraya in Etung Local Government Area. The school Principal, Mrs. Mary Ochang, and eight (8) teachers were present, and teaching and learning activities were in progress. The students were neatly dressed, and the environment was suitable for learning. Nevertheless, it was observed that most students did not have seats and lockers, making it difficult for them to learn comfortably. The Commissioner instructed the school principal, teachers, and parents present during the visit to ensure that students are provided with lockers and seats by their parents or guardians within two weeks to compliment government efforts. The school principal also informed the Commissioner about the teacher shortage in the school, and he pledged to redeploy teachers to the school to enhance effective teaching and learning activities.

At PCM Primary School Effraya, Etung LGA, the Head teacher, Mr. Ojong Asam, was present with his 14 teaching staff; however, the Commissioner and his team discovered that the school was overstaffed with only 85 pupils. The Commissioner expressed concern over the declining learners' population in the school, and teachers also reported that some pupils stopped attending school due to the discontinued school feeding programme and some engaging in cocoa farming. The Commissioner stated that redundant teachers would be redeployed to areas needing teachers, and the CSD was directed to forward teachers' names and qualifications to the Ministry for necessary action. Parents and guardians were urged to send their children to school, emphasizing that depriving children of education is a violation of their rights.

The two unauthorized schools shut down in Etung Local Government Area are Express Pathway Academy and Lord Animex Standard School, both situated at Effraya Junction, Etung Local Government Area. The proprietors, Mr. Adagom Elijah Akpere and Mrs. Mbotidem Otu, have been instructed to report to the Ministry of Education Headquarters in Calabar to meet with the Director of Quality Assurance and obtain guidelines for operating a school in the state. Prior to the shutdown, the Education Secretary for Ikom, Mrs Amba Ndifon Ejor, and the Coordinating Supervisory Director, Mrs Okongor Caroline Ndim had visited the schools, warning them about their illegitimate operations. However, the Commissioner's unscheduled visit, accompanied by his team, resulted in the closure of these unapproved illegal schools. Parents are advised to verify the quality of schools their children attend and are urged to enroll their children and wards exclusively in government-approved schools. The Commissioner further emphasized that Governor Otu's administration is committed to revitalizing the state's education sector, requiring collective efforts to achieve the desired outcomes, as all hands must be on deck. 

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