Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Stephen Odey has vowed to resign from his office any day he is found to have demanded or collected money from any school principal in the state.
He has also vowed to sack principals found indulging in extortion of innocent students and pupils.
Odey said these when he reeled out achievements of his ministry under Gov Bassey Otu.
“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.
“There are reports suggesting extortions by school authorities. These, I cannot tolerate. I won’t condone any principals extorting students.
“I have tried to stop extortion in schools in this state since my appointment. I have disciplined many principals and teachers found culpable.
“We have embarked on wide-ranging reforms in the education sector, where measures are applied on deserving and undeserving teachers appropriately. ”
Odey disclosed that the proposal to promote teachers and engage 6000 more teachers was receiving attention from Gov Otu, adding that there has been a dearth of teachers in the state.
He said to sustain their interest lots of incentives are lined up, adding that during recruitment they will mostly engage those in the catchment areas, such as those living in the rural areas.
He informed that some of the teachers who were demoted because there were deficiencies in their qualifications, will now be reinstated having upgraded themselves academically as directed.
On cultism in schools in the state, Odey said they are collaborating with the Department of State Security, DSS, and the Police to stem it.
“I have personally visited schools in Akamkpa LGA and other LGAs where reports were rife about cultism where serious actions have been taken, resulting in a drastic reduction in such nocturnal activities by students.”
