Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that addressing the declining condition of education in the state is a central focus of his administration, revealing that the sector will receive the highest share of the 2026 budget.
Governor Fubara made this known on Monday while declaring open the 123/124 combined quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.
He acknowledged that numerous schools across the state are in poor condition, but emphasised that the deterioration did not begin recently.
According to him, the decline predates his administration and was one of the major concerns highlighted by opponents during the 2023 election campaigns.
The governor explained that his team is working methodically to correct the setbacks, adding that his training in public administration shapes his methods in planning and reforming the system.
On the issue of healthcare, the governor referenced the ongoing upgrades of zonal hospitals and other measures taken to enhance the welfare of healthcare workers as clear indications of improved service delivery in the sector.
Speaking on job creation, Governor Fubara said his government remains dedicated to expanding employment opportunities but stressed that all recruitment, including the expected 10,000 positions, will strictly reflect the actual needs of the state.
He assured that the process will remain free from political influence.
Monday’s meeting, which served as the 3rd and 4th combined session of the year and the fourth since he took office, also offered Governor Fubara an opportunity to applaud traditional rulers for their contribution in resolving the political standoff that previously threatened the state’s stability.
He said their involvement helped sustain peace in their communities, supporting the generally calm environment now being enjoyed.
Governor Fubara’s comments on education follow the circulation of a viral video on Monday morning, in which the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, criticised the administration’s handling of the sector.
In the video, the Speaker raised concerns about what he described as the alleged neglect of basic school infrastructure and the long-standing challenges that have affected teaching and learning across the state.
What you should know
Governor Fubara’s renewed emphasis on education highlights a broader effort to repair long-standing structural and administrative issues in Rivers State.
His assurances on job creation, healthcare improvements and depoliticised recruitment suggest a governance approach aimed at stability and long-term reform as public scrutiny intensifies.
