The Cross River State Government says it is stepping up efforts to revolutionize public education and close the performance gap between public and private school students, preparing them to compete not just nationally but globally.
Governor Bassey Otu made this known at the grand finale of the Statewide Students Academic Challenge Competition held in Calabar, where top-performing students from public secondary schools were rewarded for academic and creative excellence.
The Cross River State Students Academic Challenge Competition, the first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, drew participation from public schools across all local government areas and featured quiz competitions, spoken word performances, and cultural displays, all geared towards promoting educational excellence and intellectual engagement.
Governor Bassey Otu represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, said education is the backbone of the state’s development agenda, and as such, his government is investing in programmes that foster innovation, critical thinking, and academic excellence.
Highlighting the goals of the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Advocacy, Abasiofiok Akpabio, said the Cross River State Students Academic Challenge Competition, was not just a competition, but a movement to reignite academic passion in public schools and restore confidence in the system.
With initiatives like the Cross River State Students Academic Challenge Competition, the State Government says it is not just rewarding excellence, but laying the groundwork for a future where students in public schools are equipped, empowered, and elevated to global standards.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
