 |
| Honourable Commissioner for Education |
As part of the series of activities arrayed to set the agenda for the educational sub-sector in 2020, the Cross River State Commissioner for quality education has categorically said that the ministry will leave no stone unturned to achieve maximum progress. / He Revealed this during an exclusive interview with Beatrice Akpala – the Senior Special Assistant To The Governor On Communication And Advocacy, where he spoke as a guest for the weekly programme “INSIDE CROSS RIVER” which airs on CRBC TV and other Social Media Platforms. / On the ministry’s level Of preparedness to achieve the quality education status as advocated by the Governor Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, Dr Amanke said he is battle ready to eradicate all irregularities in our schools across the state. He further added that non compliance will never be tolerated and that offenders will be severely punished. He pledged his total commitment to implement the policy thrust of government to the letter in line with the global best practices for education. / He reiterated that with two Professors as Governor and Deputy Governor our progress in education should be second to none in Nigeria and as such excuses will not be tolerated from any segment of the educational sector in Cross River State. He also called on all Cross Riverians to renew their commitment towards the education of our children in accordance with the popular saying that it takes an entire community to educate a child. / Dr Amanke said that education is integral to the progress of any nation, as the bedrock of development in any society, If our educational institutions work, the visionary developmental agenda of the Ben Ayade led administration will work effectively. / To consolidate on the lofty programmes and Policies in this second tenure, the ministry of quality education Is collaborating with Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Sports and Cinematography, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and a host of others, to ensure the provision of quality education for every child in Cross River State. / Dr Amanke stated that these collaborations are necessary so as to help expose the wards to activities that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the State, and Nigeria at large. He also added that he is working on inculcating Sports participation and competitions between various schools in the State. / On ICT, he lamented the poor state of facilities in most government schools, “hence the need for provision of laboratories, Computer Centres and other ICT departments”. / He further mentioned the ongoing interface with “Directors Of The State Secondary Education Board, State Scholarship Board, Executive Secretaries Of State Technical Education Board And Executive Chairman and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). These meetings he opined are geared towards providing cheap and quality education for all in the state. / About the performance of private schools in the State, the education boss applauded private schools owners for living up to expectations of the state government.” / Scoring them on neatness, constant supply of electricity and provision of conducive learning environment, he further tasked them to compel all teachers to register with the ‘Teachers Registration Council(TRC).’ / Dr Amanke said, he is also soughting the funding support of donor agencies in order to eradicate social vices through education. / Moving forward, he enjoined Cross Riverians to expect more turnarounds, including constant monitoring of School Heads and teachers through the introduction of electronic time recorder and bio-data software. With this, he said, “more diligence will be re-incalcated into the teachers and no one can easily abscond from their duty post with impunity…BEATRICE AKPALA – SSA COMMUNICATION AND ADVCACY
