Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced the immediate promotion of senior secondary school teachers under state employment.

This directive was made during the inauguration of the Chairmen and members for the Senior Secondary Schools and Universal Basic Education Boards at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Governor Fubara explained that the promotion exercise had previously been stalled due to it being overseen by an Acting Director, whom he deemed unsuitable for the significant responsibility. The newly appointed board, led by educationist Dr. Sam Umejuru, will now manage the task.

Emphasizing his dedication to improving educational standards in the state, Governor Fubara highlighted that education, healthcare, and agriculture will be top priorities in the 2025 budget. He urged the new Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, David Briggs, to build on the standards set by the previous board and establish a strong educational foundation for children in the state.

“The excellence of a child’s academic performance is rooted in their early education at the UBE levels,” the Governor emphasized. He expressed confidence that the chairmen and board members, with their extensive experience in public and civil service, would perform their duties effectively.

Governor Fubara noted that many of the new appointees are seasoned educationists and administrators who have held significant positions, such as principals and vice principals, during his tenure as a civil servant. He began his career in the Rivers State Civil Service as a teacher.

Dr. Sam Umejuru, the Chairman of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of his team, thanking the Governor for their appointment. “We assure you that we will carry out our duties efficiently, diligently, and with fairness to everyone. We recognize your passion for education and will not take this responsibility lightly,” Umejuru stated.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. David Briggs, pledged unwavering commitment to their duties. “We will not disappoint you or the people of Rivers State. We will work diligently to achieve the educational goals you have set for the state,” Briggs affirmed.

The newly inaugurated members for the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board include Dr. Sam Umejuru as Chairman, and Francis Jacob, Dr. Grace Jaja, Jemina Margaret Briggs, and Love Aguma as members. The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board will be led by Dr. David Theophilus Briggs as Chairman, with Nwuke Anucha, Dr. Alom Anyanya Austin-Mba, Dr. Walson Ominini as members, and Ibiere Pepple as Secretary.