Cross River Community Builds First Secondary School After 70 Years

For the first time in almost 70 years, children in Itega Ekpudu, Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, no longer have to trek long distances to neighboring towns just to attend secondary school.

                               

Through the combined efforts of community leaders, elders, women, youths, and indigenes in the diaspora, the village has successfully established its own secondary school.

According to community spokesperson Dr. Raphael Oko, classes began on Monday, September 15, 2025, with 144 students enrolled.

• The school currently uses underutilized buildings from the local primary school, converted to house Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1–3.

• Volunteer teachers, drawn mostly from the community, are handling classes while the school grows.

“This is a significant history in the making,” Oko said.
“For more than 70 years, our children walked long distances every day to attend schools in other communities. It was a huge burden for parents and the entire community. We resolved to put an end to this by building our own secondary school.”

Dr. Oko confirmed that the new school is officially registered with the Cross River State Ministry of Education and the Association of School Owners, making it a recognized institution.

While celebrating this achievement, the community is appealing for additional support to strengthen the school. Needs include:

• Classroom furniture and seating

• Science and computer laboratories

• Salaries for teachers

• Learning materials and basic amenities

Dr. Oko urged the government, NGOs, and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the community to ensure that the school not only survives but thrives.