In a significant move to enhance the educational sector, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the immediate promotion of teachers employed by the government across all senior secondary schools in Rivers State.
This directive was announced during the inauguration of the Chairmen and four members each for the Senior Secondary Schools and Universal Basic Education Boards at the government house in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Governor Fubara explained that the suspension of the promotion exercise in the senior cadre of public schools was due to the previous section being headed by an Acting Director, whom he believed should not handle such a sensitive task.
With the establishment of a substantive board headed by educationist Dr. Sam Umejuru, the promotion process will now proceed efficiently.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara emphasized his commitment to improving the standard of education in the state, highlighting that education, healthcare, and agriculture will be top priorities in the 2025 budget.
For the Universal Basic Education Board, Governor Fubara appointed David Briggs, a seasoned politician and administrator, as Chairman.
He challenged Briggs, the immediate past Chairman of the Senior Secondary Schools’ Board, to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors and ensure a robust educational foundation for children in Rivers State.
The Governor stressed that academic excellence at higher levels is strongly influenced by quality education at the Universal Basic Education (UBE) level.
Governor Fubara expressed confidence in the newly appointed chairmen and members of both boards, citing their extensive experience in public and civil service.
He noted that many of the appointees had served as principals and vice principals during his early career in the Rivers State Civil Service as a teacher.
Dr. Sam Umejuru, Chairman of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the appointment, promising to perform their duties with diligence and fairness.
“We are assuring you that we shall not be found wanting. We are going to deliver as you have trusted us to give us this assignment,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. David Briggs, Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, thanked Governor Fubara for his confidence in their capabilities.
“We will not disappoint you, your government, and the people of Rivers State. We will be at your side, as your foot soldiers to realize the educational heights you have as a vision for Rivers State,” Briggs assured.
The newly inaugurated members of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board are Dr. Sam Umejuru (Chairman), Francis Jacob, Dr. Grace Jaja, Jemina Margaret Briggs, and Love Aguma.
For the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, the members are Dr. David Theophilus Briggs (Chairman), Nwuke Anucha, Dr. Alom Anyanya Austin-Mba, Dr. Walson Ominini, and Ibiere Pepple (Secretary).
Governor Fubara’s proactive measures signal a new era for education in Rivers State, setting the stage for substantial improvements in the quality of education for both students and educators.