The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector while unveiling plans to curb growing concerns around child trafficking and unregulated care homes.
This resolve was restated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, during separate engagements with officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Port Harcourt.
Receiving the Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Mr Ayanfemi Adeniran-Amusan, on Wednesday, Dr Anabraba noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains unwavering in his drive to expand access to quality education across all levels.
Read Also: NAPTIP denies abduction allegation, says children were rescued from trafficking syndicate
He highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including the free registration of students in government schools for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in the three senatorial districts and all 23 local government areas.
According to him, the CBT project is intended to enhance digital learning and ensure students are better equipped for technology-driven assessments.
He assured that both mega and mini centres are being prepared to meet WAEC’s operational requirements, adding that the state is also ready to allocate land for the examination body’s zonal office.
In his response, Mr Adeniran-Amusan commended the state’s sustained investment in education and pledged WAEC’s cooperation in further advancing academic development in Rivers State.
In another engagement, Dr Anabraba held a meeting with NAPTIP officials led by the Assistant Director of Intelligence, Rivers State Command, Barrister Ikediashi Nwamaka.
During the discussion, the SSG expressed government’s concern over increasing reports of unlawful activities within some orphanages and care homes, including child trafficking, abuse of underaged girls, and unregulated surrogacy practices.
He revealed that the state government is already working on legislative measures aimed at protecting vulnerable persons, especially women and children, and ensuring that care homes operate within strict regulatory frameworks.
The meetings underscore the dual focus of the Fubara administration in promoting educational excellence while safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
