By Kelvin Obambon
In a major push to reposition the health and education sectors while improving sanitation and the overall quality of life in Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu has signed four bills into law.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office in Calabar, Governor Otu described the development as a critical milestone in his administration’s reform agenda. He emphasized that the new laws were carefully designed to respond to the immediate needs of the people, with a particular focus on strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.
“Anything about health is not a joke. These bills will help our people because they ensure we have the right resources and options available to us,” the Governor stated.
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A major highlight of the new legal framework is the establishment of the Cross River State College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology. This law upgrades the former College of Health Technology to a polytechnic status with a broader academic mandate. The transition is expected to boost training capacity in health-related fields, unlock new funding opportunities, and align the institution with national standards.
Further consolidating health reforms, the Governor assented to the Cross River State Hospital Management Board Law, 2026. This legislation creates a central body to oversee public secondary health facilities and introduces management committees for general hospitals. Notably, the law also provides for the regulation and registration of traditional medical practitioners, bringing them under the supervision of the Ministry of Health to ensure standardized service delivery.
In the education sector, the Cross River State Senior Secondary Education Board Law, 2026 was signed into law. The act creates a dedicated board to manage state-owned senior secondary schools, providing clearer administrative guidelines and positioning the state to benefit from federal education intervention funds.
Addressing environmental and public health challenges, Governor Otu signed the Open Defecation (Prohibition) Law, 2026. This measure aims to significantly reduce waterborne diseases by mandating the provision of toilet facilities in homes, business premises, and public places.
The law includes provisions for gender sensitivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. To ensure compliance, it establishes a State Task Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
The Governor praised the Cross River State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, for its thorough legislative work and constructive debates. He noted that the synergy between the executive and legislative arms has continued to yield people-oriented policies.
“I’ve checked the responses and reactions. Some of the debates have been very good… and I believe in a few months, the impact will be felt through these laws,” Otu added.
Governor Otu concluded by noting that these laws are part of a broader strategy to tackle socio-economic challenges, including rural-urban migration, food security, and environmental sustainability. He reaffirmed his commitment to building internal capacity and reducing overdependence on external support, expressing confidence that the new legal frameworks will transform Cross River into a more resilient and self-reliant economy.
