As part of efforts to combat rising drug use among students, the Cross River Government has introduced compulsory anti-drug clubs in both private and public schools across the state.
Commissioner for Education in the state, Dr. Stephen Odey, made the announcement in Calabar on Wednesday while briefing journalists on reforms introduced in the sector by the current administration.
He noted that the anti-drug clubs would monitor and report incidents, raise awareness, and work with authorities to enforce discipline, adding that comprehensive package of education policy reforms was designed to standardise practices in public and private schools, safeguard pupils’ welfare, and improve data management across the state.
Odey said as part of the reforms, measures have been put in place to check the rising cases of bullying among students, revealing that anti-bullying committees are now mandatory in all schools, and any student caught bullying will face instant expulsion to deter misconduct.
The commissioner stated that the reforms beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session would ensure that all pupils and students from Kindergarten to SS3 would be assigned a unique index number, noting that the new system would improve data accuracy, prevent fraudulent transfers, and streamline admissions.
He said the state government had also banned graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and non-exit classes as part of effort to reduce unnecessary costs and burden on parents and guardians and emphasised that graduation events were now reserved strictly for certificate classes such as Primary 6, JSS3, and SS3.
Odey also said it was only ministry-approved textbooks that would be permitted in schools just as he stated that as part of the reforms, government had directed that classes end at 1pm for primary and 2pm for secondary schools.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the governor for endorsing the reforms, describing them as a significant step toward achieving holistic, quality education for all Cross River children.
He implored parents and guardians to monitor these reforms and provide feedback to ensure the policies achieve their intended goals.
Cross River Govt Introduces Compulsory Anti-drug Clubs in Schools
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