Bayelsa Extends Schools Resumption By One Week Over Flooding

The Bayelsa State Government has extended the resumption date for schools by one week to allow floodwaters, which have submerged many schools in the state, to recede.

This was announced through a circular issued by the Ministry of Education on Friday.

Initially scheduled to resume from the flood break on Monday, November 18, schools will now reopen on Monday, November 25, 2024. The extension applies to all public and private secondary and primary schools in the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr Simon-Peter Okene, said the decision was necessary to ensure the safety and preparedness of school facilities before reopening.

The flooding, which has affected several communities in Bayelsa, has caused significant disruptions, forcing schools to remain closed longer than anticipated.

The state government assured parents and guardians that measures are being taken to restore normalcy and mitigate the impact of the floods on the academic calendar.

He said, “The extension time is a result of the current flood situation observed in reasonable number of schools premises across the state.

“Government wishes to charge operators of schools in the private sector to adhere strictly to officially approved School Calender 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, Government wishes to empathize with all Bayelsans who have been affected in one way or the other by flood.”