Former Special Adviser on Education in Cross River State, Castro Ezama, has commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for implementing key education policies, including payment of WAEC examination fees for public school students and the conversion of the College of Education, Akamkpa, into a university.
Ezama made the remarks during an appearance on The People’s First Administration 2.0, a sponsored programme aired on FAD FM in Calabar on Sunday.
He said the free West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination fee policy had provided relief to parents facing economic hardship by reducing the financial burden associated with their children’s education.
Ezama Highlights Establishment of University of Education, Akamkpa
The former education adviser recalled attending a campaign event where Governor Otu, then a governorship candidate, pledged to upgrade the College of Education, Akamkpa.
According to Ezama, the governor fulfilled the pledge after assuming office by establishing the University of Education, Akamkpa, with entrepreneurial studies incorporated into its academic programme.
He disclosed that approximately 1,000 students had been admitted into the institution and were progressing towards their second year of study.
Committee Addresses UNICROSS Challenges
Ezama also highlighted efforts by the Otu administration to address longstanding challenges at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
He said the government established a committee chaired by Professor U.U. Effiong, a former Dean of Students’ Affairs, to examine issues affecting the institution.
According to him, the committee’s white paper had been received, and actions taken following the process had helped resolve disruptions associated with industrial action at the university.
Former Adviser Identifies Gaps in Primary School Infrastructure
Despite the progress recorded in some areas, Ezama noted that primary schools across the state continued to face infrastructure challenges, including inadequate roofing and insufficient seating facilities.
He said some of the problems were inherited from previous administrations and would require sustained investment to address.
As an example, he cited a six-classroom block at Government Secondary School, Akamkpa, which he said was completed under a previous administration but remained locked because the contractor had not received full payment.
Ezama’s comments highlighted the need for continued attention to school infrastructure alongside policy reforms and the expansion of access to education.
Calls for Increased Education Funding and Teachers’ Welfare
Looking ahead, the former adviser expressed hope that a second term for Governor Otu would provide an opportunity to expand the state’s education budget, improve teachers’ welfare and extend government-funded examination support to include the National Examinations Council (NECO).
He disclosed that a proposal seeking the extension of free examination coverage to NECO had already been submitted for consideration.
Ezama also called for stronger collaboration among key education agencies and government officials, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the State Education Board, the Commissioner for Education and the Special Adviser on Education.
He stressed that effective coordination would be essential to addressing the needs of a school system comprising more than 300 secondary schools.
The former adviser acknowledged the financial constraints facing the state, referring to what he described as relatively low federal allocations and the burden of garnishee orders. He maintained that improving educational outcomes would require coordinated planning, adequate funding and sustained attention to the welfare of teachers and the condition of school facilities.
His remarks underscored the importance of consolidating existing education policies while addressing persistent gaps in infrastructure, funding and service delivery across Cross River State.
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