The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Adi Odey, Esq., has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting child nutrition and improving learning outcomes through sustainable interventions in schools.
According to a statement signed by Patricia Ogbeche, Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education, Cross River State, the Commissioner made the commitment while receiving a delegation from the Nourish Cross River Project during an advocacy and courtesy visit to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Calabar.
The delegation, led by Pastor Wilsdom Asuqou, the state vocal person of the Nourish Cross River Project, included officials from the State Nutrition Department, Cross River State Planning Commission, and development partners.
Welcoming the team, Professor Odey commended the efforts of the project towards addressing nutrition challenges among children and improving educational outcomes across the state.
The Commissioner emphasized that education extends beyond classroom teaching and learning, stressing that the nutritional wellbeing of pupils and students remains a major factor influencing academic performance, concentration, and overall development.
Professor Odey recalled the establishment of the Department of Food and Nutrition within the Ministry of Education, describing it as one of the strategic reforms introduced to address critical gaps in the education sector.
“When I assumed office, I identified safety and nutrition as key areas that required urgent attention. We cannot talk about educating children without considering their nutritional needs. That informed my decision to seek approval from His Excellency, the Governor, for the creation of the Department of Nutrition in the Ministry of Education,” he stated.
He commended the leadership and officials of the department for their commitment towards advancing nutrition-focused programmes, adding that the ministry remains open to partnerships capable of delivering sustainable solutions in the education sector.
Professor Odey noted that government alone cannot address all challenges confronting education, stressing the need for collaboration with non-governmental organisations, development agencies, and other stakeholders.
“Education is not the responsibility of government alone. We welcome partnerships with organisations and stakeholders who are willing to contribute to the growth and transformation of education in our state,” he said.
He assured the Nourish Cross River Project team of the Ministry’s readiness to provide the necessary support for the successful implementation of the initiative, including granting access to schools and students for nutrition education and related interventions.
The Commissioner further stated that the administration of Governor Senator Dr. Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to improving the education sector and supporting initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of children across Cross River State.
The Nourish Cross River Project is expected to focus on nutrition education, school-based nutrition clubs, scholarship support for vulnerable students, and community interventions aimed at reducing malnutrition in selected local government areas of the state.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Nourish Cross River Project marks another step towards building healthier schools, improving learning conditions, and strengthening child-focused development programmes across Cross River State.
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