The Cross River State Governor, Bassey 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 government on Thursday said the legislations were part of ongoing efforts to enhance governance and improve the quality of life for residents across the state.
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.
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 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.
The law is expected to curb open defecation, reduce the spread of hygiene-related diseases, and promote a cleaner environment, particularly in rural communities.
@Ota Udeh
@Asuquo Cletus.
