Towards a resilient learning ecosystem in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Integrating ecological systems theory, resilience theory, and the social-ecological systems framework

Education in Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, faces persistent vulnerability to environmental, infrastructural and socio-economic shocks-annual floods, riverine isolation, poor school infrastructure, and weak community ownership-leading to disrupted learning continuity and low retention. The paper contends that resilient education extends beyond the confine of a school-centric model and requires a robust, strengthened learning ecosystem. Through an integrative review of literature and the theoretical synthesis of Bronfenbrenner, Ecological System Theory, Epstein, Overlapping Spheres of Influence, and Resilient Theory, conceptualized as Yenagoa Resilient Learning Ecosystem Model (YRLEM). The model places the learner at the Centre of six interconnected pillars/layers: Immediate Learning Environment/Resilient learner: (1) Community Engagement Pillar, (2) Technology and Digital Access Pillar, (3) Environment and Climate Resilience Pillars (4) Infrastructure and Schools Pillars (5) Governance and Policy Pillars (6) Livelihood and Skills Pillars. It argues that by intentionally engaging indigenous institutions-traditional rulers, CDCs, women and youth groups, and SBMCs-and fostering structured multi-stakeholder collaboration between government, oil and gas companies, tertiary institutions, NGOs, and faith based-organizations, educations can be transformed from a fragile service into a community owned resilient system. The paper contributes a context-specific framework for policymakers, the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board, and development partners, and advances propositions for future empirical validation in the Niger delta context