I will personally lead task force to shut down illegal schools in Cross River – Odey, Education Commissioner
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, has vowed to personally lead an education task force this week to shut down illegal and non-compliant schools across the state.
Speaking during a live interview on HIT FM Radio in Calabar, Senator Odey revealed that the State Executive Council has approved the immediate clampdown on both public and private schools that violate the state’s revised education policies.
“For too long, many schools in this state have not followed laid-down rules. Some have gone ahead to implement their own curriculum and policies, which are not in line with what the state government has approved,” Odey stated.
He said the newly inaugurated education task force will carry out unannounced inspections at various schools, with powers to sanction defaulters, including outright closure.
“You will begin to see a revolution in the education sector this week. Any school – public or private – that does not comply with the approved guidelines will be shut down,” he warned.
Odey, a professor and former senator, reiterated that schools must adhere strictly to the new uniform curriculum and textbook policy recently introduced by the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration. Under the new directive, students in primary and secondary schools are to use no more than 12 approved textbooks, down from the previous 18, to streamline learning and reduce costs for parents.
“All schools must offer subjects approved by the Ministry of Education. If you are caught doing otherwise, your school’s certificate will be withdrawn, and you will not be allowed to operate,” he cautioned. “And before you can reapply, the process will be long and difficult.”
He added that once a school’s approval is revoked, its students will be transferred to government-approved institutions.
Highlighting a broader reform agenda, Odey said the government is keen on returning to an education model where textbooks can be passed down between siblings, helping families save costs.
“The new textbooks will no longer include workbooks. We want to return to the traditional education system that worked – where one set of textbooks could serve more than one child in a family.”
Senator Odey also took aim at some private school proprietors, accusing them of exploiting the system by siphoning students from public schools without maintaining required standards.
“Government gave them the opportunity to contribute to education, not to abuse it,” he said.
On the issue of falsified age records among teachers seeking to extend their service years, Odey warned of impending sanctions.
“We will take that seriously. I wonder why someone who has served for 35 years would not want to leave the stage for others. Some of these individuals are even denying others their rightful promotions,” he noted.
