Cross River Education Commissioner Vows to Resign Over Corruption Allegations
Odey stated, "Any day you hear that I have asked any school teachers or principals for money, I will not wait to be removed. I will resign immediately."
AKACHI NOEL 
Stephen Odey, the Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, has made a bold declaration, pledging to resign from his position if ever found guilty of soliciting or accepting money from school principals within the state. This assertion comes as part of his commitment to combat corruption within the education sector and ensure accountability.
During a recent briefing where he highlighted the achievements of his ministry under Governor Bassey Otu, Odey also affirmed his resolve to dismiss any principals discovered engaging in the extortion of students.
Odey stated, "Any day you hear that I have asked any school teachers or principals for money, I will not wait to be removed. I will resign immediately."
Acknowledging reports of extortion by school authorities, he emphasized his intolerance for such practices and reiterated his dedication to eradicating them. Odey disclosed that numerous disciplinary actions have been taken against principals and teachers found guilty of extortion.
In efforts to address the shortage of teachers in the state, Odey mentioned a proposal to promote existing teachers and recruit an additional 6,000 educators, a plan currently under consideration by Governor Otu. He emphasized the importance of incentivizing teachers and prioritizing recruitment from local communities, particularly rural areas.
Furthermore, Odey discussed measures to combat cultism in schools, including collaboration with security agencies such as the Department of State Security and the Police. He cited successful interventions in schools where cultism was prevalent, resulting in a significant reduction in such activities among students.
The commissioner's strong stance against corruption and commitment to improving education in Cross River State reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.
