BY DONALD OJEBO
THE Delta State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the educational development of children, assuring that no financial interest of school owners will be allowed to undermine the delivery of quality learning.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made the disclosure during an interactive session with the press in Asaba.
He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed a comprehensive scoping of both primary and secondary schools across the state with a view to giving them the necessary facelift and ensure they are conducive for academic activities.
Aniagwu explained that as part of the initiative, a needs assessment is being carried out to determine the number of classrooms, teachers and other resources required to meet the actual learning needs of each school.
“We are determined to ensure that our schools wear new looks. The scoping process will enable us to make classrooms more conducive for learning. But beyond aesthetics, we are carrying out a needs assessment to ensure that decisions are based on actual requirements. Where schools have fewer classrooms than their carrying capacity demands, new ones will be built. However, where the existing classrooms are more than enough for the students, resources will be redirected to other schools that are in greater need,” Aniagwu stated.
He further noted that the assessment will also address the imbalance in teacher distribution, pointing out that situations where some schools have excess teachers in certain subjects while others have none would no longer be allowed to persist. Teachers, he said, will be evenly distributed to bridge existing gaps, including between urban and rural schools.
The Commissioner cautioned private school operators against violating licensing conditions. He stressed that any operator who uses a primary school license to run a secondary school, or who fails to meet required standards such as carrying capacity and teacher-student ratios, would face sanctions, including closure.
“We cannot afford, for the sake of the business interests of a few individuals, to jeopardize the future of our children. The rules are clear—primary and secondary schools must meet specific standards. A primary school teacher may be able to handle a single class, but in secondary school, no teacher can cover all subjects. Such gaps will not be tolerated,” he added. Aniagwu assured that the State Government’s education reforms are aimed at safeguarding the future of children in Delta State, in line with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which prioritizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security.
