Teachers and pupils of St. Andrews Model Primary School, Diobu, have commended the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for changing the face of Primary Schools in the state.

The headmaster of Block 3, Mr. Nwizuga Kpligikwai made the commendation in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.

Kpligikwai explained that before the construction of the new model primary school, St. Andrews Primary School was like a market place, as people moved in and out of the school premises without check adding that the buildings were dilapidated.

“But now, there are enough desks and chairs as well as white boards with ball pens to work with”, he said.

According to the Headmaster, the four blocks in St. Andrews Model Primary School have well equipped computer laboratories with instructors which has helped the teachers to become computer literate, adding that the pupils, are not left out in the process as they can operate, learn and draw with the computers.

He emphasised that teaching and learning have become easier and more interesting because, teachers are more comfortable as their condition of service have improved through regular payment of salaries.

In his words: “Our 2009 promotion letters have been issued to us and Rivers State is the only state that the government has taken over the payment of salaries of teachers”.

He expressed optimism that the recruitment of more teachers into the Model Primary Schools is a timely decision as most of the old teachers are gradually retiring and need to be replaced.

He acknowledged that the teachers and pupils have received the free textbooks donated by the government while pupils also have their free shoes and uniforms.

Also speaking to The Tide, a primary 6B pupil, Happiness Sunday Inyang, said she can now type with the computer and also understand how it works.

Another pupil, Gladys Miesonina, thanked the governor for making them to learn the computer free in public schools.

Eunice Choko-Kayode