Cross river teachers commend SUBEB boss

SUBEB boss Dr. Stephen Odey in group photography with teachers.

By Uchino Amatey

Primary school teachers in Cross River state have commended the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey for his achievements in the basic education sub-sector.

They gave this commendation during a courtesy visit paid on him by teachers of Presbyterian Church of Nigerian (PCN), primary school, Akim, Calabar.

Speaking during the visit, the head teacher PCN, primary school, Akim, Mrs Julieth Eshue congratulated the Board Chairman on his numerous achievements in the basic education sub-sector and pledged their commitment and continuous support.

According to her “we are here to congratulate you and to say thank you for the work you are doing in schools across the state. Since you came on board, you have completely transformed primary education for the better. We are very happy to associate with you and we will continue to stand by you. We are also here to wish you a very merry Christmas in advance.”

In his response, the Board Chairman, Dr Stephen Odey while expressing his excitement, stated that this was the first visit paid to him by teachers in the state. He described the visit as humbling.

According to him “I feel so happy that my teachers can come out today and say they are happy and impressed with what I am doing. This is one of the happiest moments of my life. There are a lot of people who attribute doing the right thing to wickedness. For those who know me and know my antecedence, I am the simplest person, I am easy going, but I try as much as possible to do the right thing, rather than the wrong thing just to impress people.”

“For instance, when I came on board and visited some schools, I discovered that some teachers were unable to express themselves. I asked myself if we find teachers doing this, what will the children be passing through. That was what prompted me to do the personnel audit; it was not a deliberate effort to bring people down. Even the last review which I just concluded to see whether we can upgrade them, I still caught teachers with fake certificates. So it is really sad, “he lamented.



 While assuring them of the Board’s continuous support, Dr Odey said, “I will reciprocate this visit by celebrating my new year with you in your school. Convey my sincere appreciation to the entire staff of PCN primary school and I want to assure you that if there is anything I can do to make your stay in that school better, I will do it. Thank you so much for this singular honour.”