Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has exposed the dire state of primary education in the state, revealing that a staggering 75% of primary schools are grappling with a shortage of teachers, while a shocking 90% suffer from dilapidated infrastructure.
The revelation came to light during a recent field assessment conducted by the firm New Global, which aimed to partner with the state government to enhance teacher capacity.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara expressed dismay at the alarming findings of the assessment.
He emphasized the urgent need to address these fundamental issues plaguing the education sector, asserting that mere infrastructural renovations are insufficient to tackle the underlying challenges.
Governor Fubara underscored the pivotal role of primary education as the foundation for youth development and future leadership. He stressed the importance of investing in primary schools to ensure a solid educational framework for the next generation.
Furthermore, Governor Fubara highlighted the strain on tertiary health institutions due to the dysfunctionality of primary and secondary healthcare facilities.
He outlined plans to revitalize the state’s five zonal hospitals to alleviate pressure on tertiary healthcare centers and enhance access to quality healthcare services.
In addition to addressing the education and healthcare sectors, Governor Fubara pledged to revive moribund state-owned industries and foster a conducive business environment to spur economic growth and development.