By Matthew Okiri Okeyim (PhD)
Education is no doubt a fundamental human right across the globe. The right to education and to be educated cannot be over emphasized as it is one of the Millennium development goals of the United Nations. Education is therefore seen as the most powerful weapon that can bring about positive change in the World.
According to a former president of South Africa, late Nelson Mandela, Education is a better weapon of liberty than a standing Army.undoutedly, the purpose of Education is to improve the living standards of the people.
Unfortunately, since independence, Nigeria educational standard has been on a steady decline. Some People even go to the extent of buying educational certificates without working for them.
In the 1970s and 80s, Primary School leavers could become teachers in Primary Schools. unfortunately, today graduates are half baked and academically impotent.most University graduates can not write a mere application letter for employment.
Federal and State Governments years have adopted some form reforms to raise the standard of Education in the country but not much have been achieved in terms of improving the quality of Education.
It is against this background that His Excellency. Senator Prince Bassey Otu, upon assumption of office promised to change the narrative, to ensure that the bar is raised in terms of the standard of Education in cross River State.
And drive the process, Sen. Bassey. Otu appointed Dist. Sen. Dr Stephen Adi Odey a trained Educationist, Lawyer, Administrator, and Seasoned technocrat as the Commissioner of Education in Cross River State. An appointment described by many as around peg in around hole. Dist. Senator Dr Stephen Adi an administrator with vast experience in various fields. His stay in the 9th Assembly of the Red Chambers as Senator representing Cross River State as a law maker and the immediate past Executive Chairman of “SUBEB” is an indication of an administrator that will transform Cross River State Educational system.
Dist. Sen. Stephen Odey on assumption of office immediately swung into action by renovating and reconstructing
the Headquarters of the Educational Ministry in Calabar that was in a very bad shape. This to create a conducive working environment.
Very aware of the ministry’s mandate and the enormous task a head of Him, Dist. Sen. Stephen Odey quickly embarked on a tour of the 3 Senatorial Districts across the state where he had meetings with all the stakeholders of all the Schools within his domain to aquaint himself with the true state of the schools.
And in pursuiance of the task of making Cross River State Educational system better, he brought all private School Proprietors under one umbrella.And also ensuring that both Private and Public Schools had uniformity on resumption dates and other vital issues .
Distinquished Senator Stephen Odey under his watch as Commissioner of Education within a short stay in office made sure that all Primary Six,First school leaving Certificates results held for many years were released.
The Hon Commissioner also made sure that (BECE) Results basic Certificate examination JSS 3 under his watch were released in due time.
Also the frequency of routine inspection visits to schools have increased.This is to check irregularities and ensure efficiency in the school system.
These and many other far reaching measures are being put in place in order to standardize the Educational sector.
At this juncture, it behoves all stake holders in the Educational sector, parents and Teachers alike to up their game to ensure that the children are properly thought and supervised to reduce distractions in order to enhance their acedemic performances.
The time is now.
Matthew Okiri Okeyin PhD is a commentator on public issues.
