Get ready for some major news out of Cross River State! The Ministry of Education just launched its annual school census, and it’s a pretty big deal. They’re collecting data from all sorts of schools—public, private, even technical ones—to help make better decisions for the future of education in the state. This isn’t just some routine check; it’s a move towards improving the entire education system.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening:
- Annual school census launched for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
- Data being collected from all public, private, and technical schools.
- Aim is to improve planning and decision-making in the education sector.
- Governor’s commitment to education highlighted through funding of WAEC fees.
- New University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa approved.
- All academic results are now digitized and globally accessible.
Why This Census Matters
So, why is this school census such a big deal? Well, according to the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, it’s all about making sure they have the right information to plan effectively and make smart decisions. This data will be the base for future policies and programs. Think of it as a super important health check for the education system, ensuring it’s healthy and growing in the right direction.
Governor’s Big Moves for Education
Governor Bassey Edet Otu is clearly putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to education. He not only gave a thumbs up for this census, but he’s also funding the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for a staggering 14,804 students who aced their mock exams! That’s a huge relief for many families. Plus, there’s a new University of Education and Entrepreneurship coming to Akamkpa, which is a fantastic step towards boosting educational opportunities in the state. The university is not only a great opportunity for future teachers but also for young entrepreneurs, fostering both education and economic opportunities.
Digital Leap in Education
Here’s a cool fact: all academic results in Cross River State are now digitized! What does this mean? You can access and verify them from anywhere in the world. Imagine how much easier it will be to apply to universities or for jobs. This is a big win for transparency and accessibility, moving Cross River State into a new era of digital education.
The Call for Accurate Data
Senator Odey is very serious about the need for accuracy during the census. He’s calling on everyone involved—from teachers to ministry directors—to make sure the data is spot-on. This data will be used to plan the future and allocate the right resources, so it’s important to get it right. Imagine building a house without the proper measurements; that’s what it’d be like without accurate census data. There’s also a lot of cooperation between the government and private tech companies who are providing their support to make this possible.
Partnerships are Key
A shout-out also goes to the different groups working together on this. There are companies like Teckplus Digital Solutions and Future X, and organizations like the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), who are partnering with the government to help make this census a success. It’s a reminder that education is a team effort, and when everyone works together, great things can happen.
Private Schools Ready to Roll
Hon. Mike Egre from NAPPS made it clear: Private schools are ready and willing to participate fully in this exercise. They’re committed to making sure the data is accurate and transparent. Everyone’s on board to make sure this census provides the best insights possible to improve the education landscape in Cross River State.
The message is clear: Cross River State is making serious moves to better its education sector. This census is the beginning of many great things to come.
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