The Bayelsa State Government has postponed the resumption of schools by one week to allow floodwaters, which have inundated numerous school premises, to recede.
This decision was conveyed in a circular issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday.
Schools, initially slated to reopen from the flood break on Monday, 18 November, will now resume on Monday, 25 November 2024. The postponement applies to all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Simon-Peter Okene, explained that the adjustment was essential to prioritise the safety of students and ensure that school facilities are adequately prepared for resumption.
The ongoing flooding, which has severely impacted many communities in Bayelsa, has disrupted academic activities and delayed the reopening of schools longer than expected.
The state government reassured parents and guardians that efforts are underway to address the situation and minimise disruptions to the academic calendar.
Mr. Okene stated, “The extension time is a result of the current flood situation observed in a reasonable number of school premises across the state.
“The government wishes to charge operators of schools in the private sector to adhere strictly to the officially approved school calendar in the state.
“Stakeholders in the educational sector should remain vigilant and ensure that all school safety regulations including cutting of grasses and fumigation of school premises and buildings are carried out before resumption.
“Also, the government wishes to empathise with all Bayelsans who have been affected in one way or another by flood.”
