The Cross River State Government has commissioned a newly installed borehole and a renovated six-block modern toilet facility at Government Secondary School, Adiabo, Odukpani LGA, as part of its promise to reward outstanding performance in the Cross River State Students Academic-thon Challenge (CRISSAC 2025).
The facilities were handed over on Friday, November 21, 2025, after the school emerged overall best in the statewide academic competition organised by the Office of the Special Assistant on Students Advocacy to the Governor.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented at the event by the Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving public education through strategic investments in water, sanitation and basic infrastructure.
He noted that the government considers “a safe, clean and supportive learning environment” just as important as classroom instruction.
Akiba added that the CRISSAC initiative was designed to stimulate excellence while ensuring that exceptional performance attracts projects with direct community impact.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Steven Odey, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Emmanuel Eko, praised the students and organisers for linking academic competitions with visible development outcomes. He described the intervention as a boost to the government’s efforts to upgrade public schools across the state.
The project was facilitated and supervised by the Special Assistant on Students Advocacy, Dr. Abasiofiok Akpabio Okhunlun, who said the intervention promotes dignity and wellness in public schools.
“This is not just about prizes; it is about dignity and support. The borehole guarantees clean water, while the rehabilitated toilet facilities ensure hygiene and a healthy learning environment, especially for young girls,” she said.
Speaking further, she commended the State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, whose People First mantra prioritizes education and other critical sectors aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the people. She also extended her appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for his unwavering support for the programme and the eventual actualization of the project.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, school administrators, students, CRISSAC organisers, community leaders and other stakeholders. Many commended the initiative and described it as timely.
The Office of the Special Assistant on Students Advocacy confirmed that all prizes awarded to winning schools during CRISSAC 2025 have been fully redeemed.
#SASAMedia
