Cross River Bans Workbook-Embedded Textbooks, Sets New School Reforms

Cross River State Government has implemented a sweeping education policy reform that bans textbooks embedded with workbooks in all government and private schools. Approved by Governor Senator Bassey Otu and announced by Commissioner for Education Senator Stephen Odey, the new policy requires that only Ministry-approved textbooks be used, eliminating embedded workbooks to enable textbook reuse and save costs for parents. The reforms also introduce a uniform academic calendar mandating simultaneous school opening and closing statewide; schools failing to comply face sanctions such as derecognition or loss of approval-to-operate status.

Further measures include abolishing graduation ceremonies for non-exit classes except for Primary 6, JSS3, and SS3 to reduce expenses. The government has mandated school hours to end by 1:00 pm for primary and 2:00 pm for secondary schools, banning compulsory after-school lessons to prevent student stress and additional financial burdens; extra lessons are now optional with parental consent. To curb drug abuse and bullying, all schools must establish Anti-Drug Clubs and Anti-Bullying Committees, with immediate expulsion for students caught bullying. Additionally, from the 2025/2026 session, every pupil will receive a unique index number to standardize records, improve data accuracy, and prevent fraudulent transfers.

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These reforms take immediate effect, highlighting Cross River State’s commitment to safeguarding pupils’ welfare, standardizing educational practices, and promoting a safer, cost-effective learning environment.