The Rivers State Government has issued guidelines for public schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 7, 2026, while placing a ban on unauthorized levies.
The directives were issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday, September 4, at the Assembly Hall of Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, directors of the ministry, zonal education directors, principals and head teachers of public schools. Nwagor was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru.
The commissioner noted the state’s improved performance in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, describing the result as the best recorded by Rivers in three years.
He commended education stakeholders for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum towards positioning Rivers State among the leading states in education in Nigeria.
Nwagor directed school heads to ensure that their schools are fully prepared for resumption, including adequate personnel, conducive learning environments, instructional materials, sanitation, discipline and proper organisation.
He also warned principals against violating the approved admission process into SS1 and SS2 in public secondary schools.
According to him, admissions must be based strictly on the official placement list approved by the Ministry of Education, stressing that any principal who bypasses or alters the process will face disciplinary action.
He added that admissions granted outside the approved placement list would be considered invalid.
The commissioner also directed head teachers in public primary schools to stop issuing certificates to pupils completing primary education, noting that they do not have the authority to issue such certificates.
As part of efforts to strengthen students’ preparation for external examinations, the ministry approved two books for compulsory use by SS2 and SS3 students in public schools.
The books are Logical Approach and Solutions to SSCE Past Questions in Mathematics – Revised Edition by Emmanuel Barinorsor Justice, and Life Starts Now! – An Entrepreneurship Development Handbook for Early School Leavers by Orisa Olowu C.
Nwagor directed principals to ensure that the approved books are purchased and used by the students.
He also instructed all public schools to establish functional Malaria, Debate and Quiz Clubs to promote disease prevention, sanitation, hygiene, critical thinking, communication and leadership skills among students.
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry would organise debate and quiz competitions across the 23 local government areas of the state.
He referenced the recent performance of Team Rivers at the President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship as an indication of the potential of students in the state.
Nwagor further announced a total ban on unauthorized levies in public schools, warning school heads against imposing or collecting any levy without the approval of the relevant authorities.
He said any school head found violating the directive would face sanctions.
The commissioner added that the ministry would monitor compliance with the directives across schools and urged education stakeholders to uphold discipline, accountability, excellence and professionalism.
He described education development as a shared responsibility involving the government, school administrators, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.
Nwagor reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government, under Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to improving education and human capital development, while calling on stakeholders to support the ministry’s policies throughout the new academic session.
