‘Teachers are the Backbone of our Basic Education System, Reform’ Says Bayelsa SUBEB Boss

Teachers are the backbone of the basic education system and reform programme taking place in Bayelsa State-owned primary schools, Chief Victor Okubonanabo, the Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (Bayelsa SUBEB) has said.  

Okubonanabo made the remark at the World Teachers Day celebration event organized by the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Yenagoa over the weekend.

Speaking at the occasion, the Bayelsa SUBEB boss extolled the leadership of the Union, led by Comrade Richman Otobo and other officials, while drawing attention to the sacrifice and commitment of teachers and head teachers in state-owned primary schools across the state.

According to Okubonanabo, “the role of teachers as the builders of tomorrow cannot be overemphasized. As we gather here today, I am fully aware of the many sacrifices you are making to keep our children learning. You are the backbone of our basic education system. You are also the backbone of our basic education reform, BayelsaPRIME.”

Bayelsa State launched an audacious basic education reform programme in 2023 to tackle several challenges in the basic education system.

The BayelsaPRIME programme, which is the signature basic education reform programme of the Senator Douye Diri led administration, is aimed at improving the capacity of children across state-owned primary schools to read and tackle simple and complex numeracy problems.

BayelsaPRIME is ensuring that children in the system reach their full academic potential.

Currently, the reform caters to the learning needs of over 41,000 children across four local government areas; plans are in place to extend the gains to other local government areas. Over 2,000 teachers and head teachers are being supported by the programme.

Speaking further at the event, Chief Okubonanabo noted that the prosperity government of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri is committed to the welfare of teachers in the state and their professional development.

Other dignitaries at the occasion include the Governor of Bayelsa State, represented by the Commissioner for Education,Dr. Gentle Emelah; the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and the Chief of Staff to the Governor who were both duly represented.