Secondary school teachers in Cross River State have criticised an alleged directive ordering them to publicly endorse Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy for a second term in office.
The teachers, who spoke anonymously in Calabar on Wednesday, expressed anger over what they described as misplaced priorities by the State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), accusing the government of focusing on political campaigns instead of addressing pressing challenges in the education sector.
According to them, unresolved issues such as unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, shortage of teachers, and poor infrastructure in public schools should receive urgent attention rather than political mobilisation.
One of the teachers lamented that many educators were struggling despite years of service.
“We have unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, shortage of teachers and poor learning facilities, yet politics appears to be the major concern,” the teacher said.
Another teacher argued that educators should be free to support any candidate of their choice without pressure from authorities.
“Politics is about personal interest. Teachers should be allowed to support whoever they believe will prioritise education and improve our welfare instead of being compelled to endorse a particular candidate,” the teacher stated.
Others described the situation in public schools as alarming, noting that many schools lack laboratories, libraries and enough teaching staff, forcing some teachers to handle multiple subjects.
They also complained that the implementation of the new minimum wage had not been fully completed and that teachers lacked incentives and motivation.
The controversy followed a directive reportedly contained in SSEB Circular No. 08 of 2026 dated May 18, 2026, and signed by the Board Secretary, Prince Lawrence Eyo Nsa, on behalf of the chairman.
The circular, reportedly distributed through the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), instructed principals across the state to attend an endorsement rally scheduled for May 26, 2026, at the West African Peoples Institute (WAPI) in Calabar.
Principals in the Southern Senatorial District were also allegedly directed to mobilise teachers for the rally, which was described as a show of support for Governor Otu’s administration and its education policies.
The directive has triggered criticism from teachers and other stakeholders, who insist that improving welfare, infrastructure and staffing in schools should take priority over political endorsement rallies.
Reacting to the development, Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, said he had not seen the circular and could not comment on it.
“I have not seen any circular of that nature, so I cannot react to it. If it is made available to me, I will know how to respond,” he said.
