Cross River State Government has abolished the use of textbooks embedding workbooks in all government and private schools across the state.

The ban is part of a comprehensive package of education policy reforms designed to standardize practices in public and private schools, safeguard pupils’ welfare, and improve data management across the state.

The reforms, approved by the state governor, Senator Bassey Out, were announced by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday.

According to the reforms, henceforth, only textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education will be permitted in schools, as publishers are prohibited from embedding workbooks that make textbooks non-transferable, ensuring uniformity, cost savings, and reuse among pupils.

The government also announced a uniform academic calendar for all public and private schools in the state, including opening and closing at the same time, warning that schools that fail to comply risk sanctions, including derecognition and withholding of approval-to-operate (ATO).

To reduce unnecessary costs for parents, the state government also abolished graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and non-exit classes, except Primary 6, JSS3, and SS3.

The government further directed all schools to end classes at 1:00 pm for primary and 2:00 pm for secondary levels, and also banned compulsory after-school lessons to prevent mental fatigue, physical stress, and additional financial burdens on parents.

The reforms also make extra lessons optional but with parental consent, as the Ministry will not be responsible for any issues arising outside the approved schedule.

“To combat rising drug use among students, every public and private school must establish anti-drug clubs to monitor and report incidents, raise awareness, and work with authorities to enforce discipline.”

As part of measures to prevent bullying, all schools have been mandated to establish Anti-Bullying Committees, warning that any student caught bullying will face instant expulsion to deter misconduct. The initiative, the Commissioner said, aims to create a safer and more respectful learning environment.

He said that beginning with the 2025/2026 academic session, all pupils—from Kindergarten to SS3—will be assigned a unique index number. The new system, he said, will improve data accuracy, prevent fraudulent transfers, and streamline admissions. Distribution of index numbers will begin in early 2026 once admission documentation is complete.

Odey, who emphasized that implementation takes effect immediately, advised school managers and proprietors to comply without delay, as violators will face sanctions.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the governor for endorsing the reforms, describing them as “a significant step toward achieving holistic, quality education for all Cross River children.” (The Guardian)