Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, has criticised the poor quality of meals served to students in state-owned boarding schools, warning that inadequate nutrition can hinder healthy growth and learning.
According to the post shared on the State’s Ministry of Information Orientation and Strategy Facebook page on Tuesday, it was revealed that Dr Emelah made the observation recently during an unscheduled inspection of selected government boarding schools, where he expressed disappointment over the standard of food provided to students.
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He emphasised that the welfare of students, especially the quality and nutritional value of their meals, is a crucial part of the government’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment.
To address the problem, the Commissioner directed that all boarding schools must henceforth photograph and report every meal served to students daily via a dedicated WhatsApp platform.
The reports will be monitored directly by him and senior officials of the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance.
Dr Emelah explained that the directive is aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of students and promoting healthy growth and effective learning. He said the initiative aligns with the ASSURED PROSPERITY Administration’s policy of prioritising the holistic development of Bayelsa children.
According to him, “The Commissioner noted that while the government remains committed to providing conducive learning environments, the welfare of students including the quality and nutrition of their meals is of utmost importance.”
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen supervision in all state-owned schools and to hold administrators accountable for the welfare of students under their care.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to provide the necessary support to improve meal quality and overall student wellbeing across Bayelsa’s boarding schools.
