Cross River SUBEB, UBEC Train 110 Head Teachers & Principals on Quality Assurance to Transform Basic Education

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has trained 110 head teachers and principals on quality assurance procedures to strengthen school administration and improve teaching and learning outcomes across the state. The four-day capacity-building workshop, organized by SUBEB's Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, was held under the theme, "Improving the Capacity of School Leaders on Quality Assurance Procedures for Effective and Efficient School Administration," and concluded on Tuesday in Calabar.

The training, which brought together school leaders from across the state's three senatorial districts, represents a critical intervention in addressing the systemic challenges facing basic education in Cross River. With increasing concerns over learning outcomes, teacher absenteeism, and the need for robust monitoring and evaluation systems, the workshop was designed to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change in their respective institutions. The initiative forms part of a broader national effort by UBEC to strengthen school leadership and management practices across Nigeria, with similar training programmes recently held in Kaduna, Katsina, and Edo States.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Calabar, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Mrs. Fedelia Okpo-Ene, who was represented by the Commission's Board Member I, Joseph Ogar, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for school leaders. Ogar urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, particularly in strengthening school administration and learning outcomes. He stressed that effective leadership remained critical to the delivery of quality basic education, adding that competent and well-trained school leaders are essential for maintaining educational standards.

The Director of Monitoring and Evaluation of SUBEB, Archibong Okon, charged the participants to ensure full implementation of the ideas and lessons from the workshop, stressing that the training would boost effective leadership in the management and administration of schools in the state. He said, "Ensure that we are able to implement the knowledge and skills acquired here in our various schools for effective management and administration of schools." Okon's remarks underscored the urgency of translating the workshop's theoretical frameworks into actionable strategies on the ground, a challenge that has historically plagued capacity-building initiatives in the education sector.

The four-day workshop covered a wide range of critical topics designed to address the multifaceted challenges facing school administrators in the 21st century. Participants received intensive training on modern school management techniques, quality assurance frameworks, data-driven decision-making, and effective supervision strategies. The curriculum also included sessions on records management, team building, collaborative problem-solving, and the creation of safe and violence-free learning environments, reflecting the comprehensive approach required to transform basic education in Nigeria.

The inclusion of quality assurance procedures as a central theme of the workshop is particularly significant given the growing concerns over learning outcomes in Nigerian schools. Quality assurance, which encompasses systematic processes for monitoring, evaluating, and improving educational delivery, has become a cornerstone of educational reform efforts across the country. By training school leaders in these procedures, UBEC and SUBEB are seeking to establish a culture of accountability and continuous improvement that extends from the classroom to the highest levels of educational administration.

The training also comes at a time when Cross River State is intensifying its efforts to address the challenge of out-of-school children and improve access to quality basic education. Recent initiatives by the state government, including statewide school-mapping exercises and partnerships with international organizations such as UNICEF, have sought to generate data for evidence-based interventions and strengthen community action to return out-of-school children to classrooms. The training of school leaders in quality assurance and effective administration is expected to complement these efforts by ensuring that children who are enrolled in schools receive the quality education they deserve.

Mrs. Okpo-Ene, who has been a driving force behind educational reforms in Cross River State, has previously announced partnerships with institutions such as the Teachers Continuous Training Institute to continuously develop teachers' classroom pedagogy. The latest training for head teachers and principals builds on this commitment to professional development, recognizing that school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of thousands of children across the state.

Participants at the workshop expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills and network with colleagues from across the state. Many noted that the training had provided them with fresh perspectives on school management and a renewed sense of purpose in their roles as educational leaders. The practical nature of the sessions, which included group exercises and case studies, was particularly well-received, as it allowed participants to apply the concepts learned to real-world scenarios they encounter in their daily work.

The successful conclusion of the training marks a significant milestone in Cross River State's ongoing efforts to revitalize its basic education sector. As the state continues to grapple with challenges ranging from infrastructure deficits to teacher shortages, the development of competent and well-trained school leaders is essential to ensuring that every child has access to quality education. The 110 head teachers and principals who participated in the workshop are now better equipped to lead their schools with confidence, implement effective quality assurance procedures, and drive improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.

The collaboration between UBEC and SUBEB in organizing this training reflects a shared commitment to the transformative power of education and the recognition that investment in school leadership is one of the most effective strategies for improving educational outcomes. As Nigeria continues to work towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all, initiatives like this one offer a blueprint for what can be achieved when stakeholders at all levels of the education system work together towards a common goal.