The Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Senator (Associate Professor) Stephen Odey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to academic excellence as he met with the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Advocacy, Dr. Abasiofiok Akpabio, and the leadership of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS). The meeting, held earlier today, focused on the upcoming Cross River State Students Academicthon—a statewide initiative designed to encourage academic excellence and healthy competition among secondary school students.
Dr. Akpabio explained that the competition will take place across all zones in the state, culminating in a grand finale in Calabar, where zonal winners will compete for the ultimate prize. The top student will receive a grand prize of ₦2 million and an honorary one-day tenure as Governor of Cross River State, among other rewards. To ensure maximum participation, all principals and teachers have been directed to prepare their students for the contest, with the exact date of commencement to be announced soon.
Welcoming the Special Assistant and ANCOPSS executives, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Barrister Francis Oyije, and other directors commended the initiative. Senator Odey lauded Dr. Akpabio’s efforts and urged ANCOPSS to mobilize the necessary support for the competition’s success. He assured all stakeholders of the Ministry’s full cooperation and partnership in delivering a seamless and impactful competition.
Beyond the Academicthon, the Commissioner addressed key issues affecting the education sector, including the proper remittance of levies into government accounts and the need to clamp down on illegal schools. He also briefed the gathering on the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, alongside an extended registration deadline for state examinations—moves aimed at advancing education in line with Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for innovation and transformation in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of ANCOPSS, the State President, Mr. Etim Nsa, assured the Commissioner of the association’s commitment to implementing Ministry directives. He also commended the Commissioner for his efforts in sanitizing the education sector and pledged full support for the Academicthon initiative.
With strong government backing and the active involvement of stakeholders, the Cross River State Students Academicthon is set to become a landmark event in the state’s education calendar.
