The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, says the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains fully committed to improving access to quality education across all levels in the state.
Dr. Anabraba stated this on Wednesday while receiving the Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Ayanfemi Adeniran-Amusan, during a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.
He reaffirmed that Governor Fubara continues to prioritise massive investments in the education sector to enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.
“We appreciate the work WAEC is doing, and we know that our students are among the highest in ranking. His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, takes education very seriously. He is sponsoring the free registration of students for the WASSCE in all government schools.”
The SSG disclosed that the governor has also approved the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas, aimed at improving digital literacy and expanding access to modern examination facilities.
He assured WAEC that the government is working to ensure the centres both mega and mini are ready within the required timeframe and also reiterated the state’s readiness to provide land for the council’s zonal office.
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Earlier, Adeniran-Amusan commended the state government for its strides in education and expressed WAEC’s willingness to collaborate further. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Alozie Nwala, was also present during the visit.
In a separate engagement, Dr. Anabraba received officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), led by the Assistant Director of Intelligence, Barrister Ikediashi Nwamaka.
The SSG commended the agency for its work in protecting vulnerable persons but raised concerns over the activities of some orphanages and care homes involved in child trafficking, exploitation of underaged girls in so-called “baby factories,” and the lack of regulatory oversight on surrogacy practices.
He assured that the Rivers State Government is already working on legislation aimed at curbing such abuses and strengthening the protection of women and children.
