Numerous primary and secondary school students and teachers across Cross River State were sent home Thursday morning after Governor Bassey Otu declared an unexpected two-day public holiday.

According to a press release from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, the holiday aims to allow teachers, public officials, and citizens to travel to their wards and local government areas for participation in local elections.

Announced late Wednesday night, the holiday left many school authorities uninformed. As a result, students gathered at school gates, only to be directed to return home.

The Principal of BROMCO Group of Schools in Calabar, Tari Pujeh, stated, “I just heard the announcement this morning over the radio, but I still had to get to the school to inform the teachers and students.”