Cross River State has rolled out a sweeping directive making anti-drug clubs compulsory in all public and private schools, drawing a firm line in the sand against substance abuse among students.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Stephen Odey, unveiled the policy in Calabar on Wednesday while outlining a raft of reforms being championed by the present administration.
He said the clubs would serve as watchdogs within schools, keeping an eye on troubling trends, reporting incidents, educating students, and liaising with authorities to enforce discipline.
According to him, the reforms are part of a broader education overhaul aimed at harmonising standards across public and private schools, protecting learners, and tightening data management systems statewide.
As part of the same broom sweeping clean, Odey disclosed that fresh steps had been taken to curb bullying, which he described as a growing menace in schools. Anti-bullying committees, he said, are now compulsory, with stiff consequences attached.
“The initiative aims to create a safer and more respectful learning environment.”
The commissioner further revealed that beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session, every learner—from kindergarten to SS3—would be issued a unique index number. The move, he explained, would plug loopholes in admissions, prevent fraudulent transfers, and enhance data integrity.
“Distribution of index numbers will begin in early 2026 once admission documentation is complete,” he explained.
In another cost-cutting measure, the state government has outlawed graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and non-exit classes, citing the financial strain such events place on parents. Graduation celebrations, he stressed, are now limited strictly to certificate classes such as Primary 6, JSS3, and SS3.
Odey also announced that only textbooks approved by the ministry would be allowed in schools, warning publishers against practices that inflate costs for parents.
“Publishers are prohibited from embedding workbooks that make textbooks non-transferable, ensuring uniformity, cost savings, and reuse among pupils,” he said.
On school hours, the commissioner disclosed that primary schools must close by 1pm, while secondary schools are to end classes by 2pm. Compulsory after-school lessons have been outlawed to shield students from burnout and parents from extra expenses.
“Compulsory after-school lessons are banned to prevent mental fatigue, physical stress, and additional financial burdens on parents.
“Extra lessons may only occur with parental consent, and the ministry will not be responsible for any issues arising outside the approved schedule,” he said.
Odey praised the governor for giving the reforms the green light, describing them as “a significant step toward achieving holistic, quality education for all Cross River children”.
He urged parents and guardians to keep a close watch on the implementation and offer feedback, stressing that collective vigilance would determine the success of the policies.
“These reforms are about safeguarding our children’s future, improving standards, and making Cross River education system a model for others to follow.
“With the governor’s support and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting change,” he added.
