Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the reinstatement of 1,000 teachers earlier recruited in 2023, marking a significant move amid renewed tensions between his administration and the State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
The directive comes days after the Assembly criticised the deteriorating condition of primary and secondary schools across the state during its plenary session.
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Although the Assembly’s criticism intensified pressure on the governor, Fubara maintained on Monday that the decay in the education sector long predates his administration. He argued that successive governments contributed to the present state of public schools and insisted that his government was already taking steps to address the challenges.
Despite his firm stance, the governor moved swiftly on Tuesday to order the immediate revalidation and reinstatement of the 1,000 teachers recruited last year. The directive was announced in a public notice signed by Sam Ogeh, Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB).
According to the notice, the governor approved the recall as part of efforts to close the manpower gap in public schools and strengthen basic education delivery across the state.
Ogeh stated that all affected teachers must report to RSUBEB for the revalidation exercise and are required to present both their appointment and posting letters.
The reinstatement is expected to boost staffing levels in schools, many of which have struggled with shortages of qualified teachers. The move also signals Fubara’s attempt to assert control over education reforms while managing political friction with the Assembly.
