Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the return of 1,000 teachers earlier recruited in 2023, marking one of the most decisive steps his administration has taken in recent weeks.
The directive was issued on Tuesday through the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Sam Ogeh, who announced that the teachers must undergo a fresh revalidation exercise before resuming duties.
The move comes less than 24 hours after the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly sharply criticised the governor over the state of public schools, accusing the executive of failing to address worsening infrastructure and a severe shortage of teachers.
According to the RSUBEB chairman, the governor’s latest order is aimed at filling the teaching gaps that have persisted across primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
Ogeh explained that the administration is determined to restore manpower in schools and ensure learning conditions improve significantly.
He said, “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 1000 teachers recruited in 2023.”
He added that the affected teachers are expected to present themselves at the RSUBEB office on Wednesday for documentation. The exercise will take place at the board’s headquarters along Elechi Beach, Port Harcourt.
The announcement followed a tense session at the House of Assembly, during which lawmakers examined a report presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Aforji Igwe.
Igwe described the condition of some schools as alarming after leading an inspection of Township State School 1 and 2 on Moscow Road, where he reported broken structures, poor sanitation, and insufficient teaching staff.
During the deliberation, Speaker Martin Amaewhule faulted the executive arm for failing to prioritise education despite claims that previous administrators left behind substantial funds.
He questioned why classrooms remained overcrowded and in poor condition.
Lawmakers also pointed to situations where one teacher handles two classes at the same time, while some schools operate without electricity, toilets, or basic learning materials.
In his reaction, Governor Fubara dismissed the suggestion that the problems began under his administration.
He argued that the neglect of basic education facilities stretches back many years and noted that the six-month emergency period declared in the state slowed down several planned rehabilitation projects.
The governor, however, assured that recruitment of teachers and health workers would continue, stressing that employment under his watch would not be influenced by political interests or patronage.
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