Thousands of schoolchildren and teachers across Cross River State were left stranded on Thursday morning following an unexpected two-day public holiday declared by Governor Bassey Otu. The abrupt announcement was intended to allow teachers, civil servants, and other citizens to participate in local government and ward elections by traveling to their respective polling areas.
The declaration, made in a late-night press release by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, caught many educational institutions unprepared. Principals reported learning about the holiday only on Thursday morning, resulting in schools opening briefly before students were sent home. This unforeseen development saw large groups of children gathering at school gates in Calabar and other towns, unsure of why they had been sent away.
Tari Pujeh, Principal of BROMCO Group of Schools in Calabar, explained the confusion: “I just heard the announcement this morning over the radio. But I still had to get to the school to announce to the teachers and students.” Many parents and students voiced their frustration, with some children traveling long distances only to return home shortly after arrival.
The sudden move to declare a public holiday without adequate notice or preparation has drawn criticism, with parents expressing concern over the impact of such impromptu decisions on education and daily routines. Many have called for better communication and planning for future holidays to avoid unnecessary disruption.
The local government and ward elections, which prompted this declaration, are part of a broader initiative to enhance local governance. However, the lack of coordination with schools and other public institutions has left residents urging the state government for more structured planning in the future.
