Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has officially announced the conduct of the Junior Secondary School (JSS1) Scholarship Oral Interview Examination for the 2026/2027 Academic Session into the prestigious Captain Samuel Timipre Owonaro Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama. The oral interview is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. prompt, at Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS), Yenagoa. The announcement was made in a government circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Simon-Peter Okene, and addressed to the General Public and Head Teachers of Public Primary Schools across the state.
The Captain Samuel Timipre Owonaro Ijaw National Academy, located in Kaiama, is one of Bayelsa State's most prestigious educational institutions, established to provide exceptional academic training and character development to the brightest young minds in the state. The academy, named after a renowned Ijaw leader and nationalist, has become a symbol of educational excellence in the Niger Delta region, attracting top-performing pupils from across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State. The scholarship scheme, which is fully funded by the Bayelsa State Government, is designed to identify and nurture gifted pupils from public primary schools, offering them access to world-class education and leadership development opportunities.
According to the announcement, Head Teachers of Public Primary Schools in the eight (8) Local Government Areas of the State are to present the successful pupils who participated in the written JSS1 Scholarship Examination for the oral interview. The selected pupils are required to come along with their original photo cards for identification purposes and must be dressed in their school uniforms. The Ministry stressed that these requirements are non-negotiable, as they are essential for proper identification and verification of candidates. The oral interview is the final stage of the scholarship selection process, designed to assess the candidates' communication skills, confidence, critical thinking, and overall suitability for admission into the academy.
The scholarship scheme is part of the Bayelsa State Government's broader commitment to improving access to quality education and promoting academic excellence across the state. Governor Douye Diri's administration has consistently prioritised education as a key driver of human capital development and economic growth. The establishment of the Captain Samuel Timipre Owonaro Ijaw National Academy and the scholarship scheme are flagship initiatives of the government's education reform agenda, aimed at producing a new generation of leaders who are academically sound, morally upright, and culturally aware.
The oral interview examination represents the culmination of a rigorous selection process that began with a written examination conducted across the state earlier in the year. The written examination, which was open to all public primary school pupils in Bayelsa State, tested candidates in core subjects including Mathematics, English Language, General Science, and Social Studies. Only the top performers from each local government area were invited to participate in the oral interview, underscoring the highly competitive nature of the scholarship. The oral interview will be conducted by a panel of experienced educators and professionals, who will assess each candidate's academic potential, leadership qualities, and suitability for the academy's unique educational environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Simon-Peter Okene, urged all Head Teachers to ensure that the selected pupils are adequately prepared for the oral interview and are present at the designated venue on the specified date. He also reminded parents and guardians of the importance of the scholarship opportunity and encouraged them to support their children throughout the process. The Ministry of Education has assured the public that the selection process will be transparent, merit-based, and conducted in the best interest of the state. Parents and guardians have also been advised to ensure their children arrive early at the venue to avoid any delays.
The Captain Samuel Timipre Owonaro Ijaw National Academy has produced several outstanding graduates over the years, many of whom have gone on to excel in various fields, including medicine, engineering, law, public service, and business. The scholarship scheme is a testament to the Bayelsa State Government's commitment to investing in the future of the state's youth and ensuring that no talented child is left behind due to financial constraints. The oral interview, which is the final stage of the selection process, will determine the pupils who will join the academy's incoming JSS1 class, and the excitement among candidates and their families is palpable. The Ministry of Education has also extended its appreciation to the leadership and staff of Bishop Dimieari Grammar School for providing the venue for the interview.
For the Head Teachers and pupils of public primary schools in Bayelsa State, the upcoming oral interview represents a moment of great opportunity and hope. The successful candidates will not only receive a full scholarship to the prestigious Ijaw National Academy but will also be positioned for a future of academic and professional excellence. As the state awaits the oral interview and the final selection of the scholarship beneficiaries, the Ministry has reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process.
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