Cross River State Government Declares Primary and Secondary Education Free with New Subsidy

 In a landmark move aimed at boosting education accessibility and ensuring a brighter future for the youth of Cross River State, Governor  Bassey Otu has declared primary and secondary education free within the state. This ambitious policy change is set to positively impact thousands of families across the region.

Governor Otu announced the groundbreaking subsidy program during a press conference at the State Government House on Wednesday. He outlined the government's commitment to investing in the education sector, saying that education should be a fundamental right for every child, regardless of their socio-economic background.

With this historic declaration, we are taking a giant stride towards ensuring that every child in Cross River State has the opportunity to receive a quality education," Governor Okon declared. "Education is the bedrock of development, and we are committed to providing the necessary resources to make it accessible to all."

The policy, which goes into immediate effect, covers all public primary and secondary schools across Cross River State. Parents and guardians will no longer be required to pay tuition fees, making education significantly more accessible to families struggling to make ends meet.

Governor Otu emphasized that the move was not just about making education free but also about improving the quality of education. The state government plans to increase funding for schools, improve infrastructure, and enhance the training and welfare of teachers to ensure a holistic transformation of the education sector.

The Cross River State Government's decision to make education free has received widespread applause from various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and civil society groups. Many believe that this bold step will go a long way in reducing the high dropout rates and improving literacy and numeracy levels in the state.

Emmanuel Ekong, a parent of two school-going children, expressed his joy at the announcement. "This is a dream come true for parents like me who have been struggling to keep up with school fees," he said. "I can now focus on providing other essentials for my children, knowing that their education is taken care of."

Educational experts also lauded the move, highlighting its potential to address the educational disparities that have persisted in the state for years.

The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ada Nkem, stated, "This is a remarkable day for education in our state. We are determined to use this opportunity to improve the standard of education, increase enrollment rates, and equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world."

Governor Otu's announcement comes as a significant milestone in the state's efforts to invest in its human capital and secure a brighter future for the next generation. It is expected to have far-reaching effects on the educational landscape of Cross River State, setting an example for other regions to follow in the quest for universal access to quality education.