By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has signed four key reform bills into law aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system, improving education, and promoting environmental sanitation.
The reforms, if effectively implemented, will significantly improve service delivery across key sectors and support sustainable development in Cross River State.
The newly assented laws include the College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology Law; the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law; the Open Defecation Prohibition Law; and the Senior Secondary Education Board Law.
Speaking on the development, the governor said the legislations were part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to reposition critical sectors and improve the quality of life for residents across the state.
Otu noted that the new laws would lay a solid foundation for efficient service delivery, stressing that his government remains committed to policies that directly impact the welfare of the people.
In the education sector, the administration approved the upgrade of a former health institution into a full-fledged College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology. The move, according to officials, is expected to expand academic programmes and provide more opportunities for youths to acquire relevant skills in health, management, and technology.
The governor also approved the establishment of the Senior Secondary Education Board, which will oversee the administration of senior secondary schools across the state. The board is expected to improve coordination, raise academic standards, and ensure better learning outcomes for students.
Otu said the creation of the board would address existing gaps in the management of secondary education and ensure a more focused and result-driven system.
In the health sector, the new Hospital Management Board Law introduces a structured system for managing public hospitals. Under the framework, a central board will supervise general hospitals, while individual hospital management teams will handle day-to-day operations.
The arrangement, according to the governor, is designed to strengthen oversight, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance efficient healthcare service delivery in the state.
Meanwhile, the Open Defecation Prohibition Law mandates the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in homes, business premises, and public places.
Otu emphasised that the law reflects his administration’s commitment to public health and environmental sustainability, adding that strict enforcement would be pursued to end open defecation and safeguard communities from preventable diseases.
He urged residents to support the reforms and comply with the provisions of the new laws, assuring that government would continue to implement policies that promote development and improve living standards across Cross River State.
