In a significant policy reversal, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate recall and revalidation of one thousand teachers who were employed in the year 2023. This decision comes after sustained pressure from the State House of Assembly, which has been vocal about the deteriorating state of public schools.
Assembly Pressure Forces Government Action
The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, had expressed strong dissatisfaction with the condition of primary and secondary schools across the state during a plenary session held on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The lawmakers highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address the manpower and infrastructure deficits crippling the education sector.
Initially, Governor Fubara pushed back against the criticism. On Monday, March 10, he countered the Assembly's position, arguing that the decay in public schools was a long-standing issue that did not originate with his administration. However, by the very next day, Tuesday, March 11, the Governor made a complete turnaround, authorizing the recall of the teachers.
The Official Recall Directive
The directive for the recall was formalized through a public announcement signed by the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Sam Ogeh. The notice outlined the Governor's approval for the appointment of new teachers as part of a broader initiative to bridge the manpower gap.
A key part of this initiative is the revalidation of the 1,000 teachers recruited in 2023. The notice explicitly stated that all affected teachers must report to the RSUBEB office to present their original appointment and posting letters to complete the revalidation exercise and formalize their return to service.
A Crucial Step for Education in Rivers
This move is widely seen as a direct response to the Assembly's vocal advocacy and marks a crucial step by the Fubara administration to tackle the challenges facing the state's education system. The recall of these teachers is expected to provide immediate relief to public schools suffering from severe staff shortages.
While addressing the manpower gap is a positive development, the Assembly's concerns also extended to the poor infrastructure in schools. It remains to be seen if this teacher recall will be followed by a comprehensive plan to renovate and equip dilapidated school buildings across Rivers State.
The swift change in the Governor's stance underscores the power of legislative oversight and public accountability in driving governance. For the one thousand teachers, the recall ends a period of uncertainty and reinstates their roles in shaping the future of Rivers State's children.
