Rivers Crisis: Fubara reinstates 1,000 teachers after assembly slams education decay

Rivers Crisis: Fubara reinstates 1,000 teachers after assembly slams education decay

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the reinstatement of 1,000 teachers in Rivers State, signalling one of his administration’s most decisive policy moves in recent weeks.

The directive, announced on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Sam Ogeh, requires the affected teachers—initially recruited in 2023—to undergo a fresh revalidation exercise before resuming duty.

The development comes less than 24 hours after the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly sharply criticised the governor over the deteriorating state of public schools, including poor infrastructure and a chronic shortage of teachers.

According to the RSUBEB chairman, the governor’s latest action is intended to close the manpower gaps affecting primary and junior secondary schools. Ogeh said the administration is committed to restoring adequate staffing levels and improving learning conditions statewide.

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“In fulfilment of his promise to bridge the manpower gap in public schools across Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointment of new teachers across the state. As part of this initiative, His Excellency has directed the revalidation of the 1,000 teachers recruited in 2023,” Ogeh stated.

He added that the teachers are to report to the RSUBEB headquarters on Elechi Beach, Port Harcourt, for documentation beginning Wednesday.

The announcement followed a tense Assembly session during which lawmakers reviewed an oversight report by the House Committee on Education Chairman, Aforji Igwe. After inspecting Township State School 1 and 2 on Moscow Road, Igwe described the state of some schools as “alarming,” citing broken structures, poor sanitation and inadequate staffing.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule accused the executive of failing to prioritise education despite claims of inherited financial reserves. Lawmakers highlighted cases where one teacher handles two classes simultaneously, and where schools operate without electricity, toilets or basic learning materials.

Reacting to the criticisms, Governor Fubara insisted the decay in the sector predates his tenure. He pointed to the six-month emergency period declared in the state as a factor that delayed rehabilitation projects.

He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing recruitment of teachers and health workers, emphasising that appointments under his administration would not be driven by political influence or patronage.

Rivers Crisis: Fubara reinstates 1,000 teachers after assembly slams education decay