In a decisive move to enforce discipline and improve educational standards, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Prof.) Stephen Odey, conducted an unscheduled inspection of schools across Odukpani Local Government Area.
The Commissioner, accompanied by top officials from the ministry, including Mr. Cyril Itam, Director of Special Duties, and Mrs. Ngozi Offiong, Director of Quality Assurance, began the surprise visit at 7:45 am at St. Patrick Primary School, Adiabo. To his dismay, only one teacher, Mrs. Vivian Edim Edet, was present out of 35 teaching staff. Praising Mrs. Edet for her dedication and punctuality, Senator Odey immediately ordered queries for the absent teachers and their Headteacher, instructing them to report to his office on Monday, February 24, 2025, for disciplinary action.
The inspection continued at Government Primary School, New Netim, where only two out of 18 teachers were found on duty, and the Headteacher was notably absent. Expressing disappointment over what he described as “laziness and a lack of responsibility,” the Commissioner ordered immediate queries for all absentee staff and directed them to report to the Ministry Headquarters in Calabar.
At St. Theresa’s Primary School, Odukpani Central, the situation was no different, with just eight teachers present out of 21. The absence of both the Headteacher and Deputy left many pupils unsupervised. Senator Odey, visibly frustrated by the negligence, instructed the Director of Quality Assurance to issue queries to all defaulters and enforce disciplinary measures.
The final stop of the visit was at Government Secondary School, Odukpani Central, where only six teachers out of 20 were present. The Commissioner condemned the nonchalant attitude of the staff, noting the chaotic environment and lack of supervision for students. Addressing the teachers present, he reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order and discipline in the education sector, stating that defaulting staff would face a disciplinary panel.
Senator Odey emphasized that these surprise visits will continue across the state as part of a broader effort to ensure teachers fulfill their responsibilities. “Governor Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu is passionate about transforming the education sector,” he stated. “All stakeholders must align with the government’s efforts to deliver quality education to every child in Cross River State.”
