Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented that 75 per cent of primary schools in the state are without teachers, and 90 per cent of such schools are dilapidated
The governor said he became aware of the deplorable state of the primary schools when a firm, New Global, in its bid to partner with his administration to enhance the capacity of teachers, conducted field assessments of such personnel that they intend to train.
He said the report from the field was disappointing.
The governor’s concerns were contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen.
He emphasised the importance of primary school education in shaping character.
Fubara, however, assured all that his administration, having its focus on education, health, and agriculture sectors, would ensure a change in what has been identified.
He said, “It will surprise you to note that an agency came to Rivers State. They called them ‘New Global’, and they were willing to spend $5m. It is not for infrastructure but to train our teachers to provide software and other things to improve the learning process at the primary level.
“I told them to go round and assess the primary schools in the state. After their assessment, you won’t believe it that 75 per cent of our primary schools have no teachers. 90 per cent of the schools are dilapidated. ”
Fubara added, “So, how will you now put in the $5m? So, when I say education, I mean education. It’s not education where we renovate schools and call people for inauguration..
“We are talking about touching what is important because, for us to develop as a society, for us to get it right from the foundation, it is at the primary school level.
“If we don’t have that aspect right as a foundation to prepare our youths as the leaders of tomorrow, then we have lost it.”
The governor also noted that the tertiary health institutions in the state are overstretched because the primary and secondary health facilities are not functional.
To this end, he said the five zonal hospitals would be revisited so that they can become operational to expand healthcare services available to the people.
“The only health facilities that are functional in this state are the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and maybe, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
“The other aspects of the healthcare system that should be functioning are primary and secondary healthcare. We have to do everything that is within our power to make sure that they function.
“Now, you see, there is so much pressure because the primary healthcare centres have a limit on what they can attend to. So, the pressure is always with the tertiary institutions, what you call the teaching hospitals, ” Fubara said.