Opinion

Should Indians Manage The Model Schools In Rivers?

Published

14 years ago

March 28, 2012

Iheanyi Ezinwo,

Publisher

First of all, I want to start by saying that the system of government we have makes it possible for a sitting governor to decide on whatever he wants to do, and also to do it whether it is right or wrong.

Now, the governor before this time had not hidden his intention to hand over the management of the model schools to Indians. As a person, I would want to see that as a novel development.

It is a new one because many of us had thought that there is hardly any category of personnel that we don’t have in Rivers State. But from the face of it, the first thing that will come to mind on hearing this is that there are no qualified people in Rivers State to do the job.

As an individual, I would say that it would have been better to allow our people here to do the job. It is a matter of evolving the appropriate structure that will make it possible that school visitations and monitoring are properly done. But since they have decided to do it, it will not be easy for us to just say what the governor is doing is wrong or right.

We need to know at what cost are they going to do the job? For how long? Remember that for some time payment of salaries in Rivers State was handed over to Zenith Bank. But within a short time, it was discovered that they were not doing better than those who were doing it before. But now, from what we read from the papers, the assignment has been returned to the civil servants. So, I would have preferred a situation whereby they would look at how the system was working before, identify the weaknesses, then come up with ways and means of strengthening the monitoring mechanism.

But since they are insisting to go and contract the job, it is only time that will determine or justify that decision. Since the work has not started, I cannot tell you now that it is a right decision or not. It is the outcome that will determine whether the decision is right or not.

I think the assumption is that these Indians have the capability to properly run the schools. But the worry there is for how long are they going to run those schools? Who are going to take over from them, is it not the same our people that are going to take over from them? As a person, I may have my reservations but I believe that the governor knows certain things that I may not know that motivated him to go for that.

But I want to see it generally as a political decision because the day he leaves office, it is most likely that the next governor will reverse that decision. So, as a person, by saying it is good or not cannot change anything. I would prefer that we let it be and watch to see how the whole thing would go.

I would not call the decision an indictment on the enlightened class. I will call it a vote of no confidence on local hands. In other words, it is a demonstration of lack of confidence in our people to do the job very well. That is the way a disinterested third party will see it.

Iwu Remigeus,

Businessman

To me, this is a welcome development in a way because Indians that I know are very thorough people who do things well. If the model schools are given to them to manage, they will manage them well and produce results.

Although I believe we have capable hands here to manage the model schools, the Indians will do it better. If our own people are asked to manage the schools, they may have the Nigerian factor to contend with. Even if they are good, they may be influenced by corrupt Nigerians to water down the standard the Indians may set.

But my concern about the policy is the cost implication. Has the government actually thought out what it will cost to bring these Indians to manage all the model schools in the state?

The policy is good on paper, but I hope we will not have problems in implementing it. I think the government should consult a little more.

Patrick George,

Businessman

First of all, let us look at the motives behind the state government bringing Indians to manage the schools. I don’t know what are their motives. But if you ask me, I would say that we have indigenous managers or school managers that can handle all these. But I think we have people that will be there to manage these schools, and not the Indians. They are good in their own way but I prefer indigenous managers and indigenous teachers.

You pay these Indians in foreign currency, you pay them based on the salary agreement. It is like somebody importing goods. You pay more to the country where you import the goods. So, in our case, in terms of salary and maintenance, the state government will have to pay more, and in that case, some employed to manage these schools before now will now go back to the labour market.

I don’t know why the state government decided to bring Indians to manage the schools. To me, it is not good; I don’t like it. Let our people do the managing first. If after two or three years, it is not working, they might think of another way out. Every problem has a solution.

If the next government comes and does not like it, they might ask them to go.

Jude Akaraonye,

Businessman

Actually, this is a surprise in the sense that in Rivers State even before the schools were built to a standard like this, where were the Indians before the innovations? Does it mean that our teachers cannot perform in a more beautifully built schools? Why must it just be the Indians now that the schools have been properly renovated, at least, to standard? Why must it be the Indians that will now come and take over and manage the schools?. These are just a few of the questions.

Now, another thing is this: does it mean we don’t have good enough academia? I mean classic ones in the entire state? We have professors, eminent professors that are well read all over. Does it mean we cannot involve such people to take charge of management or leadership of such schools, even if it involves sending them abroad for training, for proper training? Let it be that they are indigenous teachers.

So, based on that, I don’t think it is proper to involve the Indians to come over and manage our resources in this case, which means we don’t have good teachers.

Mrs. Atemie Sanipe,

Teacher

My opinion is that if the Indians will come and spot out the quacks and sanitise the model schools, let them come. Most teachers are not fit to be in our school system. May be the Indians will add value to the running of these model schools, otherwise I will say no to their coming.

I believe if Indians are engaged to run these schools, it will affect the employment of staff into the schools. Quality staff will be employed. If they employ the right persons, they will be laying a proper foundation. I believe it will take time before they deviate.

What I am saying is that the Indians will do better than our people if asked to manage the model schools. They are competent and they are the people that we emulate.

Theophilus Daerego,

Civil Servant

For Indians as usual to manage the schools, I think they can do better than our people here. What is there is that they have to manage the schools properly, and may be, after sometime, our people can undergo training and learn the job. Because right now, our standard of education has fallen. Sometimes, if you look at the way we Nigerians manage, we find it difficult. So, that is where the problem lies.

If the Rivers State government says that they want experts or foreigners to manage the schools, I see nothing bad in it.

It is a welcome development. Because already, Indians during the seventies, or eighties were here with us, teaching us. I could remember when I was a student at Enitonna High School, Port Harcourt, it was Indians who taught us. And they taught us well.

I do not think bringing the Indians mean our people cannot do the work. They are bringing them because they are more advanced than we are educationally. They are also less corruptible. So, bringing them is a good thing for us to learn from them. You know we are learners and a Third World country. They are more than us in terms of technology, in terms of civilization and educationally. So, Indians managing the schools is very good.

Opinion

Tackling Nigeria’s Health Sector Challenges

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A nation’s health system is not measured by promises made, but by the quality of care available to its people when they need it most.” mm

Every year on April 7, Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Health Day, a day dedicated to reflecting on global health challenges and strengthening healthcare systems. The occasion, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO), is often accompanied by speeches and policy declarations highlighting government efforts in the health sector. This year was no different. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare delivery. Across the states, governments showcased their interventions, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara reiterating efforts to position Rivers State as a health tourism hub. While such declarations may inspire hope, they also raise an important question: how much of this commitment is reflected in the daily realities of ordinary Nigerians?

Despite years of promises and reforms, the nation’s health sector remains burdened by structural deficiencies, inadequate funding, and policy inconsistencies. The result is a system struggling to meet the needs of a growing population. One of the most pressing challenges is the continued migration of healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other skilled personnel are leaving the country in large numbers in search of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and greater career opportunities abroad. This persistent brain drain has widened the gap between available healthcare workers and the population they serve. With too few professionals left to cater for millions of Nigerians, hospitals are overstretched, waiting times are longer, and the quality of care is often compromised. Rural communities suffer the most, as many health facilities lack qualified personnel, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical attention.

Closely linked to this challenge is inadequate funding. For decades, budgetary allocations to health have remained below internationally recommended levels. Consequently, many public hospitals operate with obsolete equipment, poor infrastructure, and shortages of essential medicines. In several facilities, healthcare workers are compelled to improvise under difficult conditions, reducing the effectiveness of service delivery. The high cost of healthcare is another major concern. With only a small percentage of Nigerians covered by health insurance, most citizens pay for medical services directly from their pockets. For many households already grappling with economic hardship, healthcare expenses can be overwhelming. As a result, people often delay treatment, resort to self-medication, or seek help from unregulated providers, worsening health outcomes and deepening poverty.

Healthcare inequality between urban and rural areas further compounds the crisis. While major cities generally have better-equipped hospitals and a higher concentration of medical professionals, many rural communities are served by underfunded or non-functional primary healthcare centres. This imbalance leaves millions of Nigerians without access to quality healthcare and reinforces existing social and economic disparities. Industrial disputes have also become a recurring challenge. Strikes by healthcare workers, often triggered by unpaid salaries, inadequate welfare packages, and poor working conditions, continue to disrupt services and put lives at risk. The recent suspension of a nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors over salary arrears, hazard allowances, and residency training funding once again highlighted unresolved issues within the sector.

Another serious concern is the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs. Weak regulatory enforcement allows fake medicines to find their way into the market, undermining treatment outcomes and endangering lives. Tackling this menace requires stronger oversight, stricter sanctions, and improved coordination among relevant agencies. Addressing these challenges demands more than ceremonial speeches or periodic interventions. Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a fundamental component of national development. A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable growth. The theme of this year’s World Health Day, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking and investment in innovation. Advances in medical science, digital health technology, vaccines, and diagnostics have transformed healthcare globally.

Nigeria must position itself to benefit from these innovations through increased investment in research, technology, and partnerships involving government, academia, and the private sector. More importantly, there must be sustained political will to implement reforms. The Federal Government should increase budgetary allocations to health, strengthen institutions, and ensure effective implementation of healthcare policies. State governments must also recognize their responsibility in delivering quality healthcare and invest accordingly. Retaining healthcare professionals should be a top priority. Better remuneration, improved working conditions, opportunities for career advancement, and incentives for service in rural communities would help reduce the exodus of skilled personnel. Expanding health insurance coverage is equally critical to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.

Strengthening primary healthcare is another urgent necessity. As the first point of contact for most Nigerians, primary healthcare centres must be adequately equipped, properly staffed, and effectively managed. Investments at this level would improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals, and bring healthcare closer to the people. Ultimately, the condition of a nation’s health sector reflects its priorities. A government genuinely committed to the welfare of its citizens cannot afford to treat healthcare as an afterthought. As Nigerians mark World Health Day, attention must shift from rhetoric to action. The challenges facing the sector are well known, and the solutions are within reach. What is needed now is bold, sustained, and sincere commitment to reform. The health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians depend on it.

2): At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

As Rivers State marks 59 years of its creation, there is every reason to celebrate its achievements in politics, infrastructure, commerce, education, and human capital development. Yet, amid the celebrations, one critical question demands attention: what has become of agriculture, once a major pillar of the state’s economy? Before crude oil became dominant, farming, fishing, and livestock production sustained livelihoods across communities such as Etche, Ikwerre, Ahoada, Ogba, Abua, Kalabari, Andoni, Opobo, Khana, Gokana, and Tai. Families depended on proceeds from cassava, yam, cocoyam, maize, vegetables, oil palm, fish, and other agricultural products to fund education, support households, and drive local commerce. Recognising agriculture’s importance, successive governments introduced programmes aimed at increasing food production and modernising farming.

Investments were made in extension services, fish farming schemes, livestock development, youth empowerment initiatives, and farm settlements. One notable intervention was the Songhai Farms project in Bunu-Tai, established to train young people in modern integrated farming and agribusiness. Governments also distributed improved seedlings, fertilisers, fishing equipment, and supported cooperative societies to encourage productivity and value addition. Despite these efforts, the outcomes have largely fallen short of expectations. Many projects suffered from inadequate funding, poor implementation, or policy discontinuity. Programmes launched by one administration were often abandoned by another, resulting in wasted resources and unrealised goals. At the same time, the dominance of oil revenue reduced interest in agriculture.

As opportunities expanded in the oil and gas sector, many young people abandoned farming, which gradually became associated with hardship and poverty rather than prosperity. Environmental challenges further weakened the sector. Oil spills, gas flaring, flooding, erosion, and pollution have damaged farmlands, rivers, and creeks across the state. Communities that once relied heavily on farming and fishing have seen productivity decline due to ecological degradation. These challenges continue to discourage investment and limit agricultural growth. Today, Rivers State faces a troubling paradox. Despite its vast arable land, abundant water resources, favourable climate, and large consumer market, it relies heavily on food supplies from other parts of Nigeria. Tomatoes, rice, vegetables, fish, and poultry products consumed in local markets are often transported from distant states. This dependence exposes the state to rising transportation costs, inflation, supply disruptions, and food insecurity.

Whenever insecurity, flooding, or fuel price increases affect transportation networks, food prices in Rivers State rise sharply, placing additional pressure on households. These realities highlight the urgent need for an agricultural renaissance. At 59, Rivers State must relaunch agriculture not as a political slogan but as a strategic economic priority. Such a relaunch should begin with a comprehensive agricultural master plan that transcends political administrations. Agriculture requires consistency and long-term commitment, since farmers invest over seasons rather than election cycles. Youth participation must be central to this new vision. Modern agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, mechanisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Greenhouse farming, aquaculture, poultry production, food processing, hydroponics, and agritech solutions have transformed agriculture into a profitable business globally.

Rivers State can establish agricultural incubation centres where young people receive training, access to land, start-up support, and mentorship, thereby creating a new generation of agripreneurs while tackling unemployment. Access to affordable finance is equally important. Many farmers struggle to secure credit because of stringent lending conditions. Government can partner with financial institutions to create specialised agricultural financing schemes offering low-interest loans and flexible repayment options. Strengthening cooperatives would also improve farmers’ access to resources, markets, and modern inputs. Infrastructure development remains critical. Good road networks linking rural communities to urban markets would reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses. Investments in storage facilities, cold rooms, processing centres, and rural electrification would improve productivity and profitability.

Particular attention should be given to aquaculture. With its extensive rivers, creeks, wetlands, and coastline, Rivers State has enormous potential to become a major fish-producing hub, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports. The oil palm subsector also presents significant opportunities. Before the oil boom, the Niger Delta was renowned for palm oil production. Revitalising plantations and supporting smallholder farmers can stimulate agro-industrial development, increase export earnings, and strengthen rural economies. Beyond economic gains, agricultural revitalisation offers important social benefits. Increased food production can lower food prices and improve nutrition. Job creation can reduce poverty, youth restiveness, and rural-urban migration. Agriculture also supports a wide range of value-chain activities, including transportation, processing, packaging, marketing, and equipment maintenance, creating multiplier effects throughout the economy.

Communities where young people are productively engaged are generally more stable and secure. Food security has become an increasingly urgent national concern. Recent economic challenges and inflationary pressures have exposed the risks of relying heavily on food supplies from distant locations. A state that can feed itself is better positioned to withstand economic shocks and uncertainties. As Rivers State celebrates its 59th anniversary, the occasion should inspire renewed commitment to agricultural development. The state possesses the land, water, climate, manpower, and market needed for success. What remains is the political will, strategic planning, and sustained investment required to unlock these potentials. The future prosperity of Rivers State cannot depend solely on oil revenues whose fortunes fluctuate with global market forces. Diversification is no longer optional; it is an economic necessity.

Fifty-nine years after creation, the message is clear: Rivers State must return to the land—not as a retreat to the past, but as a bold investment in a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future. Agriculture remains one of the surest pathways to food security, employment generation, inclusive growth, and economic resilience. The seeds of that future already exist in our soil. What is needed now is the collective determination to cultivate them.

Opinion

At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A clean environment is not a government gift; it is a civic duty that protects our health, preserves our cities, and reflects our national character.”

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the last Saturday of every month followed a familiar pattern. Roads were deserted, markets closed, and residents swept compounds, cleared gutters, cut overgrown weeds, and disposed off refuse. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise became a national ritual that promoted cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. As an environment correspondent about two decades ago, I joined officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on sanitation monitoring tours across Port Harcourt and surrounding communities. Although enforcement officers were sometimes accused of excesses, the exercise succeeded in creating public awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. Over time, however, the practice faded away in many states.

In its absence, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainages and environmental neglect became increasingly common. Today, heaps of waste line roads, markets and motor parks, while gutters clogged with plastics contribute to perennial flooding. Given the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities, there is no better time to revive environmental sanitation. Its return is no longer a matter of nostalgia; it is a practical necessity for public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Poor sanitation remains a major cause of disease. Stagnant water and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera, typhoid and other infections. Floodwaters contaminated by refuse also expose communities to serious health hazards.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened the situation. Cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are expanding faster than their waste management systems can cope. As populations grow, so does the volume of waste generated daily. Monthly sanitation exercises can help rebuild environmental consciousness. Beyond cleaning streets, they remind citizens that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. They also offer an opportunity to educate children and young people about hygiene, public health and community participation. Critics argue that the old sanitation policy restricted movement and was sometimes abused by security personnel. Those concerns were valid, but they do not invalidate the concept itself. Rather than abandon it, governments should reform the programme to make it more humane, participatory and transparent.

That is why the recent decision by the Lagos State Government to reintroduce monthly sanitation deserves commendation. Even if participation is largely voluntary, the move sends a strong signal that environmental responsibility must be taken seriously. Other states should emulate this initiative. In Rivers State, the Rivers State Waste Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve waste collection and restore Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City. Reintroducing monthly sanitation would complement these efforts and deepen public involvement. At the federal level, policies such as the Digital Waste Marketplace, the Plastic Waste Policy and the National Waste Management Network are commendable. However, environmental sanitation remains one of the most direct and visible ways to mobilise citizens toward cleaner communities.

The exercise, however, must be supported by efficient waste management infrastructure. Citizens cannot be expected to maintain clean surroundings if there are inadequate waste bins, irregular refuse collection, and limited recycling facilities. Governments at all levels should invest in modern waste management systems, properly fund sanitation agencies, and promote recycling programmes. Waste sorting should become standard practice to reduce the volume of refuse ending up in landfills and drainage channels. Countries such as Singapore, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that waste can become a valuable economic resource. Recycling industries in these countries create jobs while protecting the environment. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies and turn waste into wealth.

Environmental laws must also be enforced consistently. Regulations against illegal dumping exist in many states but are rarely implemented. Offenders should face penalties, but enforcement must be fair and free from extortion. Urban planning is another critical factor. Poor drainage systems, overcrowding and inadequate sewage infrastructure worsen sanitation problems. Governments must prioritise road construction, drainage maintenance and orderly urban development. Markets deserve particular attention. They generate enormous quantities of waste every day, yet many lack organised disposal systems. Local councils and market associations should work together to establish effective waste collection arrangements in commercial centres. Religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers and civil society groups also have important roles to play.

Environmental responsibility should be taught and reinforced as a social value. Community leaders can help change attitudes by consistently promoting cleaner habits. This issue is even more urgent in an era of climate change. Flooding, erosion and extreme weather events are already threatening many Nigerian communities. Poor waste disposal worsens these challenges by blocking waterways and reducing urban resilience. A clean environment also offers economic benefits. Well-maintained cities attract investors, tourists and businesses. Reduced disease outbreaks lower healthcare costs and improve productivity among workers and students. More importantly, cleanliness reflects national values. A nation that allows public spaces to deteriorate projects an image of disorder and neglect. Nigerians deserve cleaner streets, healthier neighbourhoods and safer communities.

Reviving environmental sanitation will not solve all environmental problems overnight, but it can serve as a powerful starting point. Combined with effective waste management, public education and stronger infrastructure, it can restore environmental consciousness across the country. Ultimately, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Government must provide leadership, infrastructure and enforcement, while citizens must demonstrate discipline and civic commitment. From disposing of household waste properly to keeping drains free of obstruction, every Nigerian has a role to play. If Nigeria is serious about protecting public health, reducing flooding and building livable cities, the return of monthly environmental sanitation is a step whose time has come.

By: Calista Ezeaku