The Rivers State government has approved the recruitment of 5,000 teachers into the state civil service as part of efforts to address longstanding imbalances and shortages in the education sector.
The decision was taken at the second State Executive Council meeting of 2026, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honor Sirawoo, said the recruitment was deliberately targeted at strengthening the education sector.
He stated that 3,000 of the new teachers to be recruited will be deployed to basic and primary schools, while the remaining 2,000 teachers will be assigned to post-primary institutions, a move aimed at enhancing service delivery and alleviating classroom pressure.
Sirawoo disclosed that the exercise will raise the total number of persons employed under the Fubara administration to about 9,500, underscoring the government’s commitment to workforce expansion in critical sectors.
He listed earlier recruitments to include 2,000 health personnel, 1,500 staff for the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and 1,000 workers for the Universal Basic Education Board.
Read Also:
- Gov. Fubara approves employment for children of dead servicemen in Rivers
- Breaking: Gov. Fubara splits Rivers Assembly as 2 members withdraw from impeachment plot
- Rivers lawmakers accuse Gov. Fubara of expending funds without legislative approval
“The administration is expanding the workforce, but we are focused on quiet and effective service delivery rather than publicity. These are services meant for the people of Rivers State,” Sirawoo said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Chisom Gbali, described the council’s approval as a major boost to employment creation and human capital development in the state.
Gbali added that his ministry would work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that recruitment, deployment, training, and orientation align with institutional needs.
The state government has assured residents that the recruitment process will be transparent and merit-based, stressing that only qualified and competent candidates will be engaged.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has congratulated Gov. Fubara on his 51st birthday.
A statement signed by the Chairman of council, Paul Bazia -Nsaneh and Secretary, Ijeoma Tubosia, respectively, said Gov. Fubara’s attainment of the age of 51 is a milestone worthy of appreciation and praise to God.
The statement described the governor as a visionary leader and a true servant of the people.
According to the statement, the governor has always been a committed patriot and exemplary servant-leader whose impact and excellent public service record have served as a motivation for those for the people of the State.
The union commended Gov. Fubara for his purposeful leadership that resonated in numerous laudable projects in the state.
The NUJ urged the governor to rededicate himself to the greater service of mankind and prayed God to grant him long life, sound health, and greater success in tasks ahead of him.
