Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, has addressed concerns regarding the recently compiled list of students receiving government-funded WAEC registration fees. Odey refuted allegations of list padding, attributing the discrepancy to duplicate entries during the compilation process.
Addressing Duplicate Entries and Missed Submissions
The Cross River State government announced it would cover WAEC registration fees for all indigenous students in 2024. To administer this initiative, three desk officers were assigned to each senatorial district for list compilation. However, unintentional duplicate entries inflated the initial list from 16,301 to 16,287 names. Additionally, 20 schools missed the deadline for submitting student details, resulting in their exclusion from the final list.
Commissioner Odey emphasized the government’s transparency and commitment to education. He highlighted a 450 million naira investment specifically dedicated to WAEC registration fees for qualified students. He denounced the padding accusations as baseless, stressing they stemmed from a clerical error during data collection.
Teacher Recruitment and School Regulations
Odey acknowledged challenges within the education system. He noted that over 1,000 students were excluded due to late submissions by their principals. He underscored the importance of school accountability and proper registration. The Commissioner announced plans to address the proliferation of unregistered institutions and enforce stricter regulations. Additionally, he revealed a proposal to recruit 6,000 new teachers to address staffing shortages.
Disciplinary Actions for Principals and a Hopeful Future
The Commissioner also addressed the recent investigation into alleged corruption among principals. Out of 36 principals investigated, 31 faced disciplinary actions, while six were exonerated. Possible consequences include suspension or removal from their positions.
The Cross River State government’s commitment to education extends beyond just financial investment. By addressing administrative shortcomings, enforcing regulations, and ensuring qualified teachers are in place, the state strives to create a more robust and equitable learning environment for all students.
Source: Vanguard
