News
RSUBEB Moves To Entrench Good Governance In Schools
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBEB) has constituted 12-member School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) at the state and local government levels in a bid to achieve the goal of free education policy and entrench good governance at the school level.
The step is also targeted at achieving high school performance through the provision of basic infrastructure needs of schools in the state through stakeholders’ involvement.
The ExecutiveCchairman of the RSUBEB, Ven Fyneface Akah while inaugurating the SBMCs at the conference hall of the board in Port Harcourt, last Monday, said the SBMCs were integral part in the basic education management which was designed to realize the maxim of “education is the responsibility of all.”
Akah opined that the core mandate of the committees was to collaborate in bringing their inputs and sourcing for funds to help make the schools more comfortable and enhance learning in their various localities.
According to him, the SBMCs’ membership was drawn from communities where schools were domiciled to interface between government and the communities to ensure proper funding, and also ensure that education was well organized in their communities.
He averred that the committees were at liberty to source funds from time-to-time for the management of their schools, but warned that such funds derived must not be an impediment to free education of any child under the RSUBEB education law in the state.
“The SBMCs must ensure that the sourcing of funds must be with the parents, community and philanthropists in their catchment areas. No child or children should be made to suffer or his or her rights to free education impaired. Education is not totally free but parents must fulfill part of their own obligations.
“Education is the responsibility of all, and we must understand it. The SBMC is a structure of basic education that needs to be driven for the realisation of the maxim that ‘education is responsibility for all’ through advocacy. Their responsibility is quite generic and inclusive,” he stated.
Akah warned the committee members not to divert funds generated in this regard for their personal use but for the purpose for which it was approved by the board, saying that they must confront people with objective truth.
He used the opportunity to thank teachers, school heads and junior secondary school principals for their efforts in keeping the school system working before the inception of the present administration in the state, adding that the board would continue to stand on its resolution to achieve positive change in the basic education system in the state.
“Our major concern is to ensure that our schools become functional system. The state government is committed on its free education policy,” he stated.
Earlier in his speech, Director, Social Mobilization in the board, Mr Ogwe Ibe, explained that SBMCs were not committees set up to merely discuss problems, but community bodies which can take actions to make their schools work better.
Ibe listed fund-raising events, grants from corporate organizations and donors, donations from individuals, community funding, SBMC members’ contributions and direct funding from the state government in the form of grant or capital allowance as possible sources of funding for schools.
By: Akujobi Amadi
News
Fubara Hails Team Rivers For Winning Tinubu Inter-Schools Debate Championship …Describes Victory As Great Feat For Rivers
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the students’ victory as “a great feat” and a clear demonstration of the intellectual capacity, brilliance, confidence, and preparedness of Rivers children to compete and excel at the national level.
The Tide reports that the finals of the Presidential Debate Championship held last Thursday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Fubara commended the students for their eloquence, critical thinking, and teamwork, while also appreciating their teachers, coaches, and the Rivers State Ministry of Education for the guidance and support that led to the outstanding performance.
“This victory is a source of immense pride to all Rivers people. It shows that our investment in education and human capital development is yielding results. Our children have once again proven that they are among the best in the country.
“We are proud of you and we will continue to support programmes that build the minds of our young people,” he stated.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment and provide necessary support for academic and extra-curricular activities in schools across the State to help the youths to excel in future competitions.
He further urged other students across the State to draw inspiration from Team Rivers and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
Fubara expressed profound appreciation to the Grand Patron of the championship and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her steadfast support and commitment to initiatives that promote education, youth development, and the empowerment of the Nigerian child.
?While congratulating Team Rivers for coming out on top, Fubara told the participants that they were all winners, irrespective of the outcome, stressing that their courage to stand before an audience and articulate their ideas demonstrated that the future of Nigeria remains intellectually vibrant and full of promise.
He also commended the organisers of the championship for creating a platform where young Nigerians could develop the confidence, discipline, critical thinking and communication skills required to participate meaningfully in national development.
?He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to supporting initiatives that advance academic excellence, innovation, discipline and opportunities for young people.
The governor dedicated an award presented to him to the people of Rivers State, the state’s education system, young Nigerians, and all those contributing to the development of the State.
?In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Advisory Board, President’s Schools Debate, Hon. Usman Muhammed, said the championship was aimed at raising articulate, informed and responsible young Nigerians committed to democracy, good governance and nation-building.
?He commended the governor and the people of Rivers State for hosting the event, stressing that debate promotes critical thinking, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
?On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, explained that the essence of the championship was to train and develop youth, especially students, on how to get to leadership positions, saying it takes a sound mind to be able to come out to speak publicly and come to defend the opinion in a public setting.
?The Tide reports that while Team Rivers came first, Team Kwara emerged second, while Team Sokoto took the third position.
The project, a 19.79 kilometre road was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, brings to an end the nightmares of man-hour losses and insecurity associated with the route.
The long stretch of the road was in a very deplorable condition before the Fubara administration awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in September 2024.
Fubara disclosed that the completion of the project in record time was a fulfillment of a personal commitment made after witnessing the severe degradation of the road during a previous visit to the area.
“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.
“I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.
“I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said.
The governor reiterated that his desire for the State is not just about embarking on projects but in doing those things that will touch the lives of the people positively.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project linking several coastal communities in the State.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their love and cooperation especially for allowing the contractors to do their jobs without hitches.
“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans- Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today, don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.
Special Guest of Honour, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema Kingdom, King Desrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, who officially commissioned the project, commended the state government for its rapid infrastructure development, noted that the rehabilitation of the roa has drastically improved travel time, safety and the living conditions of the people.
“In the past, for you to leave any of our communities to Port Harcourt, you must, as a matter of fact, go into a one-day fasting and prayers the previous day. Otherwise, you are not sure you will get to your destination.
“Today, I can leave my palace in Abonnema by 10:00 AM, and I will be wherever I want to be in Port Harcourt before 11:00 AM,” the royal father said.
King Bob-Manuel stated that the reconstructed road would not only enable the local fishermen to transport their catch directly to urban markets in Port Harcourt for better profit margins, but will open the riverine communities to new investments.
Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
Enitan, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.
Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation to Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.
“The President wishes her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveys the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service,” the statement added.
Tinubu charged the incoming Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.
In 2015, Enitan obtained an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
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