The Cross River State Government has banned the use of workbook-embedded textbooks in both public and private schools across the state.
Announcing the reforms in Calabar on Wednesday, Commissioner for Education Stephen Odey stated that only textbooks approved by the ministry will be permitted. He explained that the measure will ensure uniformity, reduce costs, and allow textbooks to be reused.
Other reforms include a uniform academic calendar for all schools, mandatory closure times of 1:00 p.m. for primary and 2:00 p.m. for secondary schools, and a ban on compulsory after-school lessons. Extra lessons will now be optional and require parental consent.
To cut expenses, the government has also abolished graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and non-exit classes, except Primary 6, JSS3, and SS3.
In a bid to address social issues, schools must establish anti-drug clubs and Anti-Bullying Committees. Students caught bullying will face immediate expulsion.
From the 2025/2026 academic session, all pupils from Kindergarten to SS3 will be issued unique index numbers to enhance data management, prevent fraudulent transfers, and streamline admissions. Distribution begins in early 2026.
Odey warned that violators of the new policies will face sanctions, adding that the reforms take effect immediately. He thanked Governor Bassey Otu for approving the initiatives, calling them a “major step toward holistic, quality education.”
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