adminSUBEB TRAINS GAME MASTERS/MISTRESSES AND SPORTS OFFICERS ON COACHING, OFFICIATING IN BASIC EDUCATION SPORTS
By Beatrice Odobi
The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has concluded a two-day capacity building training for Game Masters/Mistresses and Sports Desk Officers on May 20-21, 2026 at U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Participants drawn from all three senatorial districts in Cross River State were trained on coaching, officiating, critical thinking, strategic reasoning, and sportsmanship in basic education sports.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, represented by the Board Secretary, Mr. Etta Inyang, said the workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of game masters/mistresses and sports desk officers in schools.
“By the time their capacity is enhanced, they will guide the children and that guidance is tailored towards acceptable sporting activities carried out in schools,” he stated.
Mr. Inyang also commended the Cross River State Government and UBEC for their continued support in developing basic education and strengthening sporting activities at the basic level to enhance pupils’ intellectual capacity.
Three facilitators from the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science, University of Calabar facilitated the sessions:
Dr. Edmond Oduck – Officiating in schools: rules, fair play, and application for common school sports
Dr. Martina A. Apie – Coaching young athletes: fundamental techniques and practical drills for primary schools
Prof. Ogunjimi Lucas – Integrating physical activity into daily learning strategies and classroom practices
After lectures, participants moved to the field for practicals on races, football, handball, volleyball, and basketball to reinforce what was taught.
At the closing ceremony, the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Caroline Ana, applauded participants for their outstanding performance. She commended SUBEB and UBEC for providing a platform that promotes mental development and uses healthy education as a tool for cognitive and character learning.
“Equipping our educators and coaches with up-to-date knowledge is key to unlocking the potentials in our children,” she said.
Mrs. Ana also expressed appreciation to the Board Chairman, Sports Desk Officers, UBEC, and other education stakeholders across the state for their unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development.
