Kubong-Bette (Obudu)— Overcrowding at Community Secondary School, Kubong-Bette, in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State has eased following the commissioning of a three-classroom block facilitated by Hon. Peter Akpanke, the Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The newly completed block was inaugurated on Monday at a ceremony attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, teachers, students and residents of Kubong-Bette clan in Obudu LGA. School authorities and students said the additional classrooms have significantly reduced congestion and improved the learning environment.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Akpanke said his intervention was driven by a personal connection to education, noting that his father was a former headmaster of the school. He described education as a priority area of his representation and said the project was aimed at improving access to quality learning infrastructure in rural communities.
“As a teacher’s son, education is something close to my heart,” Akpanke said. “Seeing the condition of learning here, I felt it was important to start from this place and support these children in practical ways.”
Beyond the classroom project, the lawmaker announced additional support for students of the school, including the provision of new sandals, uniforms, school bags and writing materials. He also approved a one-term scholarship covering school fees for 16 students who performed during the commissioning ceremony.
Students of the school said the new classrooms have helped address long-standing challenges associated with limited space. An SS3 student, Ogar Bright Undie, said the expansion has reduced the number of students per class. “We used to struggle for classroom seats,” he said. “Now we have Class A and Class B, and it has reduced overcrowding.”
The Senior Girls Prefect, Josephine Bekeh, also welcomed the development, describing it as a major relief for both students and teachers. “Before now, we were struggling for chairs and lockers because of overpopulation,” she said. “With these new classrooms, learning has become easier for us.”
Community members said the improved facilities have encouraged families to enrol or return their children to the school. Mrs. Eunice Atishe, a resident of the community, said some parents had previously withdrawn their children due to poor learning conditions. “The classrooms we had before were leaking and inadequate,” she said. “Since this building was completed, many children have returned from other schools because they can see the improvement.”
The village head of Kimia community in Obung Ette clan, Chief Emmanuel U. Adie, said the project has had a positive impact on the community. Speaking in his local language, he expressed appreciation to the lawmaker and described education as central to community development. “There is improvement in this village,” he said. “There is no substitute for education.”
An address of welcome presented on behalf of the Kubong-Bette clan by community leaders described the project as a milestone and commended Akpanke for what they termed a significant contribution to educational development in the area.
Residents said they expect the new classrooms to enhance teaching and learning outcomes at the school while contributing to long-term human capital development in the community.
