Cross River introduces unique index numbers to track school children from KG to SS3

Calabar, Cross River – In a groundbreaking move to enhance educational record-keeping and tracking, the Government of Cross River State has announced that starting in 2026, every child from kindergarten to Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) will be assigned a unique index number.

This initiative is part of a broader set of transformative education policy reforms unveiled on September 22, 2025, by the Ministry of Education aimed to revolutionize the educational landscape across both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state, ensuring a holistic implementation of improvements.

The unique index number system is expected to streamline administrative processes, improve student monitoring, and provide a robust framework for educational data management.

In addition to the index number initiative, the Ministry has introduced several other significant changes.

All schools must strictly adhere to the approved academic calendar for opening and closing. Non-compliance will result in severe sanctions, including derecognition and the withholding of Approval to Commence (ATC) status, as the government seeks to synchronize the educational system and enhance oversight.

To curb extravagant spending, graduation ceremonies and parties for kindergarten, nursery, and junior secondary students have been abolished. Such events will now be reserved exclusively for certificate classes—Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3), and SS3—marking a notable shift in tradition.

The use of only approved textbooks is now mandatory, with a ban on enclosed workbooks by authors and publishers. This policy promotes reusable, non-transferable textbooks, aiming to reduce costs and ensure uniformity across the education system.

To alleviate student stress, all lessons must conclude by 2:00 PM, addressing concerns about prolonged school hours, particularly in private institutions, and fostering a healthier learning environment.

The reforms have elicited mixed responses. While many stakeholders applaud the focus on standardization and student well-being, others question the practicality of enforcing the uniform calendar and textbook restrictions across diverse school settings.

The Ministry of education led by Commissioner Michael Ani has urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to ensure full compliance as the academic year progresses.

The effectiveness of these policies will be closely monitored, with potential adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

This bold step by the Cross River State government underscores its commitment to reshaping the educational landscape for future generations, with the unique index number system poised to set a new standard in educational administration.