The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Professor) Stephen Odey, on Tuesday embarked on a series of unscheduled inspections across schools in Calabar metropolis.
Accompanied by the Coordinating Supervisory Director for Calabar Zone, Mrs. Helen Effiom, and top ministry officials including Mr. Cyril Itam, Director of Special Duties, the Commissioner visited NYSC Model Secondary School Calabar Municipality, Government Secondary School Atu, and Government Primary School Atu in Calabar South Local Government Area.
At NYSC Model Secondary School, Senator Odey expressed displeasure over the apparent lack of commitment displayed by some teachers, noting that students were left unattended in classrooms during school hours. While acknowledging satisfactory attendance records for some, he described the attitude of the absentees as unacceptable and directed those missing from duty to report to the Ministry’s Headquarters for appropriate disciplinary measures.
In contrast, the Commissioner lauded the leadership and staff of Government Secondary School Atu and Government Primary School Atu for their evident dedication to teaching and learning. He praised the Principals and Headteachers for maintaining a clean, organized learning environment and for ensuring that academic activities were actively ongoing in several classrooms during his visit.
While inspecting the Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC) an ICT facility provided by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and housed within Government Secondary School Atu, Senator Odey charged the school management, led by Mrs. Cordelia Imoke, and the host community to protect the infrastructure and all other government assets within their environment.
“This facility and others like it must be treated as your own. Community ownership is key to sustainability,” he stated.
Senator Odey further issued a stern warning to school administrators and staff across the state, noting that similar impromptu visits would continue statewide. He emphasized that no school would be exempt and that any signs of negligence or absenteeism would attract strict sanctions.
“These visits will be continuous and unannounced. Everyone must sit up. We are determined to restore quality and discipline in our school system,” the Commissioner warned.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to improve standards in public education and ensure that both students and teachers are held to the highest standards of diligence and responsibility.
