By Our Reporter
Political interference in teacher recruitment, shortage of qualified ICT teachers, examination malpractice, and inequitable teacher deployment have been identified as major challenges affecting quality education delivery in Bayelsa State, as stakeholders called for stronger implementation of the reviewed National Teacher Policy (NTP) 2025.
The concerns were raised during the public presentation of the National Teacher Policy held in Bayelsa under the European Union-funded Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) to Build Teachers’ Capacity and Resilience Project.
The project is being implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, National Project Steering Committee (NPSC), and State Project Steering Committee (SPSC).
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The event attracted stakeholders from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Post Primary Schools Board (PPSB), Civil Society Organizations, media practitioners, and disability advocacy groups to deliberate on strategies for improving teacher professionalism, accountability, and education delivery in the state.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, Mr. Simon-Peter Okene, commended UNESCO and the European Union for supporting reforms targeted at strengthening Nigeria’s education system and teacher development.
The Executive Secretary of Bayelsa SUBEB, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogolo, lauded UNESCO for ensuring broad stakeholder participation in the review of the policy, noting that previous education policies were often developed without adequate consultation.
She stressed the need to engage qualified teachers in schools and advocated wider stakeholder review of the revised policy before its final adoption at the state level.
Presenting an overview of the EISS Project, UNESCO EISS State Programme Assistant, Esther Ikenye, highlighted the initiative’s focus on strengthening teacher management systems and improving policy implementation mechanisms.
A technical presentation by the Chief EMIS Officer, Mr. Pere-Ebogho Joseph, outlined key provisions of the National Teacher Policy, including teacher recruitment, professional standards, development, monitoring, and accountability.
Stakeholders also emphasized the need to improve access to education for persons with disabilities. The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Bayelsa State Chapter, called for more schools and boarding facilities for learners with disabilities.
Participants commended the Bayelsa State Government for supporting learners with disabilities through transportation and feeding assistance.
The meeting ended with renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and ensure effective implementation of the National Teacher Policy in Bayelsa State.
The EISS Project represents the second phase of the European Union’s Education and Youth Empowerment Programme in Nigeria and is designed to strengthen teacher capacity and resilience between 2024 and 2028.
