Academic activities at Tuanikope Basic School, located on one of the Ada East Islands, have been fully restored on Tuesdays and Fridays following the provision of an official boat, outboard motors, and life jackets to teachers at the school.
This comes over a year after a TV3 News report highlighted how the lack of transport facilities was crippling teaching and learning in the community.
On July 5, 2024, TV3 reported that classes at Tuanikope DA Basic School could not take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. The challenge was due to the unavailability of boats and outboard motors to transport teachers from the mainland to the island community a situation worsened on market days.
At the time, pupils lamented that the absence of their teachers on those days was affecting their academic performance and preparation for national examinations.
A follow-up visit by TV3 on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, revealed a major improvement. The school has now been provided with a dedicated boat, outboard motors, and life jackets, enabling teachers to travel to the community consistently.
Headmaster of the school, Mr. Abayateye, expressed his gratitude to the news team and all stakeholders who intervened.
“The provision of this boat has made a big difference. Our pupils are doing better academically. In fact, the school placed third in the Ada East District in the recently released BECE results, thank you TV3 for the report” he said.
When TV3 arrived at the community, pupils had already reported to class. Some of them confirmed that since the boat was delivered, their teachers have been punctual and consistent, which has boosted their confidence in learning.
The pupils thanked TV3 for the news report that has brought a lot of support and attention to the school.
The Human Resource Manager of the Ada East Education Directorate, Nii Okai, also praised TV3 for the support but appealed for more assistance to address other challenges confronting island schools.
“We are thankful for your report and subsequent intervention. But teachers also face accommodation challenges since there are no bungalows in these communities. We appeal to the general public and corporate bodies to support because government cannot do it alone,” he stated.
The Ada East District has five schools serving 13 island communities, with a combined student population of over 500. Many of these schools face logistical and infrastructure challenges that make teaching and learning difficult.
With transportation issues now addressed at Tuanikope, education authorities and community members are hopeful that attention will next be given to providing permanent housing for teachers in the island communities.
