Bayelsa State Extends School Resumption Amidst Flood Challenges

The Bayelsa State Government has announced a one-week extension of the resumption date for schools across the state to allow floodwaters that have inundated several school premises to recede.

Originally slated for Monday, November 18, 2024, public and private primary and secondary schools in the state will now reopen on Monday, November 25, 2024. The decision was communicated through a circular issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday.

According to Mr. Simon-Peter Okene, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the extension aims to prioritize the safety of students and ensure school facilities are adequately prepared for resumption.

“The extension time is a result of the current flood situation observed in a reasonable number of school premises across the state,” Okene explained.

The devastating floods, which have swept through several communities in Bayelsa State, have disrupted daily activities, including the academic calendar. The state government reassured parents and guardians that efforts are underway to restore normalcy and minimize the impact of the floods on educational activities.

As part of the precautionary measures, the government has called on private school operators to strictly adhere to the officially approved school calendar. Additionally, stakeholders have been urged to ensure compliance with safety protocols, including grass cutting and fumigation of school premises, before reopening.

The government also extended empathy to Bayelsans affected by the floods.

“Government wishes to empathize with all Bayelsans who have been affected in one way or the other by the flood,” Okene added.

This development underscores the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate its effects on education and other sectors.