NUJ Calls Out Cross River’s Crumbling Schools and Roads in 2026

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised a fresh alarm over the Cross River school infrastructure crisis, warning that the state’s public schools and major roadways are in a state of disrepair that threatens learners, teachers and commuters alike. In a statement released on 2 October 2026, the NUJ Cross River State Council, chaired by Comrade Archibong Bassey, detailed how crumbling classrooms, leaky roofs and pothole‑strewn streets in Calabar are undermining education and economic activity.

Why the NUJ’s warning matters now

Education is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Vision 2030, and the quality of school infrastructure directly impacts student performance, teacher morale and community confidence. When classrooms are flooded during the rainy season or when roads to schools become impassable, attendance drops and learning outcomes suffer. The NUJ’s intervention comes at a time when the Cross River State Government has pledged to improve basic services, yet on‑ground realities suggest a widening gap between policy promises and implementation.

Moreover, the state’s capital, Calabar, is a hub for tourism and trade. Deplorable roads not only inconvenience residents but also deter investors and tourists, affecting the broader regional economy. By spotlighting these twin challenges—schools and roads—the NUJ is urging a holistic approach that aligns with the state’s development agenda.

State of public schools in Cross River

According to the NUJ report, more than half of the public schools surveyed in Calabar and surrounding LGAs have structural deficiencies. Common problems include cracked walls, missing roof tiles, inadequate ventilation and insufficient furniture. Many schools lack basic amenities such as functional toilets, clean water supply and reliable electricity, forcing teachers to improvise with generators that add to operational costs.

Parents in the region have voiced frustration on social media, noting that children often study in rooms that double as storage spaces for agricultural produce. This situation not only hampers learning but also raises health and safety concerns. The NUJ’s statement cites several incidents where school buildings collapsed during heavy rains, resulting in injuries and, in one case, a fatality.

Education experts argue that such conditions violate the right to education enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the Sustainable Development Goals. They call for immediate remedial action, including a comprehensive audit of school facilities, allocation of emergency funds for repairs, and a long‑term capital investment plan.

Roads that hinder access to education and commerce

Parallel to the school crisis, the NUJ highlighted the deplorable state of roads in the Calabar metropolis. Potholes, eroded drainage, and unmarked road signs have made daily commutes hazardous. For students, the journey to school can take twice as long, especially during the wet season when flood‑prone areas become inaccessible.

Transport operators report rising vehicle maintenance costs due to the rough terrain, which they pass on to passengers in the form of higher fares. Small business owners along these routes also suffer, as customers avoid areas with poor road conditions, leading to reduced foot traffic and sales.

The state government’s recent budget documents mention a “Road Rehabilitation Programme,” but the NUJ points out that little visible progress has been made on the ground. They urge the Ministry of Works to prioritize critical corridors that connect schools, hospitals and markets, and to adopt transparent monitoring mechanisms.

Government response and next steps

In a brief reply, the Cross River State Government acknowledged the NUJ’s concerns and pledged to convene a task force comprising the Ministries of Education, Works and Transport, as well as civil society representatives. The task force is expected to submit a detailed action plan within 30 days, outlining short‑term repairs and long‑term infrastructure projects.

However, civil society groups remain cautious, noting that previous task forces have often stalled due to bureaucratic delays and funding gaps. To ensure accountability, the NUJ has called for regular public briefings, independent audits and community monitoring committees that can track progress at the grassroots level.

Stakeholders also suggest leveraging public‑private partnerships (PPPs) to mobilise additional resources. International development partners, such as the World Bank and African Development Bank, have previously funded school infrastructure projects in Nigeria and could be approached for technical and financial support.

What this means for parents, teachers and the wider community

For parents, the NUJ’s advocacy offers a platform to demand safer learning environments for their children. Many are organizing local meetings and petitions to pressure the government to act swiftly. Teachers, meanwhile, are rallying for better working conditions, arguing that a conducive environment is essential for effective teaching.

Community leaders are also being urged to play a proactive role. By forming school‑based management committees, they can monitor repair works, report irregularities and mobilise local resources for minor maintenance tasks.

In the longer term, improved school and road infrastructure can boost enrolment rates, reduce dropout rates and stimulate economic activity. When children can attend school safely and on time, families are more likely to invest in their education, creating a virtuous cycle of human capital development.

Looking ahead: A roadmap for sustainable improvement

Experts propose a three‑phase roadmap for Cross River:

1. Assessment and Prioritisation (2026‑2027): Conduct a state‑wide audit of school buildings and road networks, using GIS mapping to identify high‑risk zones.
2. Immediate Rehabilitation (2027‑2028): Allocate emergency funds to fix roofs, replace broken windows, and fill the most dangerous potholes, especially on routes serving schools.
3. Strategic Investment (2028‑2030): Develop a multi‑year capital plan that integrates school construction with road upgrades, ensuring that new facilities are built to resilient standards.

Embedding community oversight, transparent budgeting and regular progress reports will be key to preventing the recurrence of neglect.

FAQ

• What specific problems are affecting Cross River schools? Cracked walls, leaking roofs, lack of furniture, inadequate water and electricity, and unsafe structural conditions.
• How do poor roads impact education? They increase travel time, raise transport costs, and can make schools inaccessible during the rainy season, leading to lower attendance.
• What actions has the state government promised? Formation of a task force, a 30‑day action plan, and a commitment to improve the Road Rehabilitation Programme.

For the full NUJ statement, visit the Daily Post article dated 2 October 2026.

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