Commissioner for Education Rivers State, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, health professionals, government agencies and other stakeholders to identify and address vision-related challenges affecting school children, stressing that early detection and appropriate referral are critical to improving learning outcomes.
Nwagor made the call at the inauguration of the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative (SCVDRI) and the institutional launch of the Annual Vision Detection Training Day for Teachers (VDTDT) at the NULGE Consulate, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. The event was held under the theme: “Strengthening Learning Outcomes by Addressing Vision-Related Barriers in Schools.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, the Commissioner noted that a child could be physically present in the classroom, attentive and willing to learn, yet remain disadvantaged by an undetected vision problem.
He explained that vision difficulties could affect a child’s ability to read from the board, follow lessons and participate confidently in classroom activities, adding that such challenges could sometimes be wrongly interpreted as poor academic ability, lack of concentration or indiscipline.
The Education Commissioner said the focus of his keynote address, “Educational Leadership in Action: Reflecting on Progress, Strengthening Impact and Shaping the Future of Learning,” goes beyond policy formulation and administration to identifying barriers that prevent children from learning effectively and developing practical solutions to address them.
He welcomed the initiative to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills to recognise possible vision-related challenges and facilitate timely referrals, stressing that teachers are not expected to replace qualified eye-care professionals but can serve as an important first point of identification and referral within the school environment.
Nwagor described the SCVDRI as more than a vision-care intervention, noting that it also promotes educational equity, inclusion and improved learning outcomes. He stressed that detection must be followed by effective referral and professional care if the initiative is to achieve its intended impact.
He said the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, remains committed to promoting access to quality, inclusive and learner-centred education. According to him, the Ministry of Education recognises that improving learning outcomes requires attention to factors that may prevent children from fully benefiting from educational opportunities.
The Commissioner therefore called on teachers, parents, school administrators, eye-care professionals and development partners to embrace the initiative as a collective responsibility. He noted that early identification and appropriate intervention could help children regain confidence, participate more actively in learning and fulfil their potential.
Nwagor congratulated the organisers, partners and stakeholders on the initiative and expressed the hope that the SCVDRI would grow into a sustainable programme capable of positively impacting schools and transforming the learning experiences of children across Rivers State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of the School Children Vision Detection and Referral Initiative, Dr. Daniel Innocent, said the inauguration had opened a new opportunity to address one of the often-neglected factors affecting children’s learning: poor vision.
He noted that childhood vision problems are more common than many people realise and can negatively affect children’s academic performance if left undetected and untreated.
Innocent said the SCVDRI was established to provide a sustainable solution through a comprehensive model of detection, referral and support, aimed at ensuring that children with vision-related challenges receive timely attention and the necessary professional care.
