By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has commended the state government for its bold steps in reforming the education sector but called for immediate provision of functional toilets and potable water in schools across the state.
In a communiqué issued after its congress on Thursday, the union emphasized that creating safe, sanitary, and conducive learning environments was vital to sustaining the government’s drive to standardize education.
The statement, jointly signed by Comrade Tony Ita Etim of The Southern Examiner, Comrade Maria Ewa of the Ministry of Information, and the State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, applauded the ongoing closure of unapproved schools under the Education Reform Policy, describing it as a crucial step toward improving teaching standards and accountability.
While acknowledging Governor Bassey Otu’s renovation of schools and public infrastructure, the NUJ urged the state government to urgently fix deteriorating roads, many of which are developing potholes across the state.
The union expressed concern over the deplorable state of several schools, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities, where pupils reportedly defecate in the open and fetch water from nearby communities during school hours.
It urged the state Ministry of Education to complement its reforms with the provision of basic amenities such as toilets and clean water to promote hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks among pupils.
The state government had last week shut down 69 substandard schools that failed to meet operational standards under the reform policy, which also mandates a unified academic calendar, approved textbooks, regulated school hours, and stricter supervision of school proprietors.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at raising educational standards, ensuring compliance, and protecting the welfare of children across Cross River State.