BY TOSAN ATIE/JUMAI NWACHUKWU / PAUL EGEDE/ JUDITH OBIANUA
THE Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has expressed satisfaction over the massive turnout of students as public secondary schools across the state resumed academic activities for the new term.
Mrs. Ezewu, while monitoring the resumption process in Ikweghwu Secondary School, Ikweghwu in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Eradajaye Secondary, Adagbrassa-Ugolo in Okpe Local Government Area, Ugbolokposo Secondary School , Ugbolokposo in Uvwie Local Government Area, noted that classrooms were well populated and teachers were fully on ground, describing the development as a positive sign of renewed commitment to learning by students, parents and education stakeholders.
She commended school administrators and teachers for their preparedness and dedication, which she said contributed to the smooth and timely resumption recorded across the state.
According to her, the high level of student attendance reflects effective planning and sensitisation carried out ahead of the resumption.
The commissioner urged teachers to sustain the momentum by placing students’ academic progress and welfare at the centre of their duties, while also calling on parents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s education.
She expressed optimism that the term would be productive and that the education sector in Delta State would witness further improvements, in line with the state government’s commitment to quality and accessible education for all.
In Asaba, our correspondent also monitored West End Mixed Secondary School, Government Model Secondary School, Uzoigwe Primary School, Zappa Basic Secondary School, Zappa Primary school, Seat of Wisdom Academy, Anglican Girls Grammer School and Glorious Kids College, described turnout of students as fair.
Speaking with the Principal of Zappa Basic Secondary School Asaba, Mrs. Rapu Patricia noted that the turnout of teachers was high while that of the students were poor.
Similarly, the Principal, Glorious Kids College ,Mrs. Osisioma said the School resumed in line with the date giving by Delta State Ministry of Education.
“Although we are private school but we work according to the rules of the Ministry of Education, we recorded sixty students present today and lessons have started, some parents are advocating that the resumption date be postponed to 12th to enable them return from Christmas holiday but we are law abiding citizens, we must abide by rules and can’t go against the law” she said.
Our correspondent in Agbor, who monitored schools, noted teachers were seen in classroom impacting knowledge on pupils/ students that were in school.
Speaking with the Headmistress of Shammah Model School, Agbor, Mrs Blessing Eluma expressed gratitude to God as she welcome the pupils back to school. Although the turn up was below average but she is optimistic that more will resume tomorrow.
According to her, the low turn up may be as a result of alleged earlier rumour of postponement of school resumption.
Meanwhile, in Alisimie Mixed Secondary school, teacher is back to duty while 30percent of the students have resumed. The school Principal, Mr Bienose N. welcomed back the students with encouraging words and urged them to take their studies seriously.
In the same light, the Ika South secretary of the Local Education Authority (LEA), Anyia Chima said that he has scheduled inspection tour to all the schools in the local Government to begin on Wednesday. According to him, there were teachers recently transferred, some have collected their letters while others are yet to do so.
A visit by our correspondent to several schools in the Warri metropolis showed a moderate turnout of learners, with teachers and school administrators on ground to receive them. Head teachers reported that academic activities commenced immediately, including morning assemblies, revision sessions, and orientation for new students.
At Government Model Secondary School, Ogunu, the Principal, Mrs. Evelyn Okorie, said the school was fully prepared for the resumption.
According to her, teachers resumed earlier to finalize lesson plans and ensure classrooms were ready. She added that parents were encouraged to ensure their children return promptly to avoid missing important academic work.
Some parents expressed satisfaction with the resumption, noting that returning to school would help restore discipline and focus among students.
“The holiday was long enough. It’s good they are back to learning,” said Mr. Johnson Akpoveta, a parent.
