The Rivers State Universal Basic Education (RSUBE) Board says it will commence promotion exercise for teachers from this week.

This was made known by the chairman of the RSUBE, Mr. Alli Orutemeka during the inaugural meeting of the Board and Head Teachers of public schools in Rivers State.

Mr. Orutemeka explained that this will put paid to the lingering cases of teachers due promotion which has lasted for years.

His response was in reaction to complains by some Head Teachers who stated that some teachers have been long over due for promotion.

One of the Head Teachers who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that some of her teachers have not been promoted for over five years.

“This situation is not encouraging at all to the teachers. Some of them have been in their present position while others have gone to meet them.

“You find that they become less interested in their job and so become unable to give their best to their pupils, she said.

Another Head Teacher who is in the hard to reach area (Riverine community) told The Tide that most of his staff are engaged in petty business rather than ensuring that they carry out their duties effectively.

“Sometimes, we do not blame the teachers for engaging in other businesses because there is no motivation. No leave bonus, no promotion, no teaching aids as well as under equipped classrooms, how can they work in an environment that is not condusive for the teachers and the pupils.

He lamented that the state government should come to their aid by providing necessary facility and incentives.