The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, health professionals, government agencies, and other stakeholders to detect and address vision problems in school children. He said early detection and prompt referral are key to improving learning outcomes across the state.

Nwagor spoke at the inauguration of the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative, SCVDRI, and the launch of the Annual Vision Detection Training Day for Teachers, VDTDT, held at the NULGE Consulate on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, recently The event which has the theme, “Strengthening Learning Outcomes by Addressing Vision-Related Barriers in Schools.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, the Commissioner noted that a child can be present in class, attentive, and eager to learn, yet still struggle because of an undetected eye problem. Such challenges, he said, often go unnoticed until they begin to affect performance.

He explained that vision difficulties can make it hard for pupils to read from the board, follow lessons, and take part confidently in class. When these issues are missed, he added, they are sometimes mistaken for poor academic ability, lack of concentration, or indiscipline.

In his keynote, titled “Educational Leadership in Action: Reflecting on Progress, Strengthening Impact and Shaping the Future of Learning,” Nwagor said the focus must go beyond policy and administration. Leaders, he stressed, must identify barriers to learning and design practical solutions that help every child succeed.

The Commissioner welcomed the initiative to equip teachers with the skills to spot possible vision problems and refer pupils on time. He clarified that teachers are not expected to act as eye-care professionals, but they can serve as the first point of identification within schools.

Nwagor described SCVDRI as more than a health intervention. According to him, it promotes educational equity, inclusion, and better results. He added that the Rivers State Government under Sir Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to quality, inclusive, and learner-centred education, and that detection must be followed by proper referral and treatment to make real impact.

He urged teachers, parents, school administrators, eye-care professionals, and development partners to treat the programme as a shared responsibility. Early identification, he said, can help children regain confidence and reach their full potential. Earlier, the Executive Director of SCVDRI, Dr. Daniel Innocent, said the initiative was created to provide a sustainable model of detection, referral, and support, because childhood vision problems are more common than many realize and often affect academic performance when left untreated.

Rivers State University has taken a significant step towards expanding access to higher education with the inauguration of the Governing Board of its Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL).

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described Open and Distance Learning as an indispensable pathway for addressing the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the physical infrastructure and facilities available in conventional universities are insufficient to accommodate the increasing number of people seeking admission into higher education institutions.

He referred to discussions at a recent Vice-Chancellors’ Conference in Ilorin, where a presentation highlighted the widening gap between available university infrastructure and the rapidly growing demand for higher education, largely driven by Nigeria’s increasing population.

According to him, Open and Distance Learning provides an important bridge for closing this gap by enabling more people to access quality university education without necessarily being physically present on campus.

Professor Zeb-Obipi further emphasized the critical role of technology in modern education, noting that online learning platforms have made it possible for students to participate in academic programmes and undertake examinations remotely.

He cited examples of successful online course delivery and remote examinations, including programmes where students outside Nigeria have participated effectively through technology-enabled learning systems.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the leadership and members of the ODL Centre for their commitment towards establishing the Centre, particularly in developing the necessary policies and securing Senate approval.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, the Director of the Centre, Professor Boma Dambo, the Deputy Director and other members of the implementation team for their dedication towards bringing the initiative to fruition.

Professor Zeb-Obipi formally inaugurated the Governing Board and charged members to provide the strategic direction required to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of Open and Distance Learning at Rivers State University.

Earlier, the Director, Centre for Open and Distance Learning, Professor Boma Dambo, expressed appreciation to the University Management and other stakeholders for their support towards establishing the Centre.

Professor Dambo disclosed that the necessary policies for the operation of the Centre had been developed and approved, adding that the institution had entered the critical stage of building the capacity of personnel who would drive the programme.

She explained that the Centre was currently training course writers, facilitators, e-tutors and other personnel required for the effective implementation of Open and Distance Learning programmes.

Professor Dambo expressed confidence that, with the continued support of the Vice-Chancellor, principal officers and the University’s Management team, the Centre would achieve its objectives and contribute significantly to expanding access to higher education.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of members of the Governing Board, the Chairman, Professor Blessing Jaja, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for finding them worthy to serve in the pioneering governing body of the new Centre.

Professor Jaja described the establishment of the Open and Distance Learning Centre as a major milestone and strategic intervention by Rivers State University to address the challenges confronting higher education in Nigeria.

He assured the University Management that members of the Board would work diligently to ensure that the vision and objectives of the Centre are achieved and where possible, exceeded.

The Board Chairman also appealed for continued institutional support, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained commitment and the provision of necessary resources.

He expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to the project and pledged the Board’s readiness to work assiduously towards making the Rivers State University Open and Distance Learning Centre a success.