A focal education project in Bayelsa State called BayelsaPrime has encountered a glitch, putting the education of over 41,000 pupils in jeopardy across 216 primary schools in four local government areas.
The issue has also impacted more than 3,000 headteachers and teachers in Sagbama, Ogbia, Yenagoa, and Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas.
Launched in January 2023, the BayelsaPrime program aimed to expand to additional local government areas in the state this year but has faced setbacks.
Despite initial success in reducing the number of out-of-school children and enhancing enrolment, the project provided teaching resources such as books, smartphones for headteachers, tablets for teachers, and other aids.
Furthermore, it offered teaching schedules, exam materials, and regular supervision across all schools to improve teacher-pupil interaction and combat absenteeism.
However, since the school year began, teachers have not received the necessary teaching modules, leading to disruptions in education delivery.
Expressing concern, a headteacher stated, “Teachers are currently without lesson notes, causing some to refrain from teaching.”
The Education Trust Minds group recently raised alarm over the crisis, urging stakeholders like the state Ministry of Education and BayelsaPrime to address the issue promptly.
In response to the situation, Victor Okubinanabo, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board, mentioned that payment issues might be the root cause and efforts are underway to rectify it.
He explained, “We are addressing the payment problem, and a memo from the Commissioner for Education has been issued to that effect.”