BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
TWO years into the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State is witnessing a quiet revolution in its education sector, particularly at the secondary school level. With targeted investments and a reform-driven agenda, the Ministry of Secondary Education has made substantial progress in both improving learning environments and broadening access to educational opportunities.
When Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office as the executive governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023, he did so with a clear mandate: to advance the state’s socio-economic development by investing in human capital, especially through education. Two years later, the results of that commitment are beginning to take root, with visible improvements in the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of secondary education across the state.
At the centre of this transformation is the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education, which, under Oborevwori’s leadership, has rolled out initiatives that address longstanding challenges in the sector, from dilapidated infrastructure to inequitable access to learning opportunities. With deliberate investments and policy reforms, the administration is not only providing students with better learning environments but also creating a pathway to sustainable development through education.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda mantra (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) has directly influenced the secondary education sector in Delta State over the past two years.
Infrastructure Development: Building the Foundations for Learning
One of the most visible changes since 2023 is the rehabilitation and upgrading of physical infrastructure in Delta State’s secondary schools. Across multiple communities, aging classrooms and neglected school buildings are being revitalized, a move that has re-energized both teachers and students.
Many of these schools are now receiving updated learning materials, furniture, and basic amenities such as water and sanitation, helping to create a well-rounded atmosphere for academic excellence.
This infrastructural investment is evidence that the government is not just spending, but building sustainable assets that benefit future generations.
Below are part reforms the Governor has made to ensure thatevery area in education benefits in the MORE Agenda.
In an interview with the Delta State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, she described the administration of Governor Oborevwori as outstanding, noting that since he assumed office, public schools across the state have felt the impact of the governor.
Highlighting some of the projects executed, the Commissioner stated that under the Governor’s directive, forty-six (46)projects have been completed, Highlighting some of the projects executed, the Commissioner stated that under the Governor’s directive, forty-six (46)projects have been completed, amongst which are the Renovation of CIE’s Field office at CIE’s Office Akwukwu-Igbo and Renovation of 1No, 3 classroom block with office and Akwukwu-gbo and toilet for CIE’s field office at CIE’s field Issele-Uku, both in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Completion of Principal’s quarters, Principal’s quarters (Boys Quarters), Renovation of Corpers lodge, Gatehouse and painting of fence all at Emo-Eni Grammar School, Elu, Isoko-North LGA.
Renovation of five Classroom Blocks with Offices and Toilets, and three Classroom Blocks with Offices at Adeje Secondary School, Adeje. Renovation of six Classroom Blocks at Oyenke Secondary School, Oyenke in Okpe L.G.A; Renovation of four classroom blocks with an examination hall and offices; five classroom blocks with offices and renovation of another six classroom blocks with offices (Block A) all in Atuwase Secondary School in Warri, Warri South L.G.A;
Renovation of three classroom blocks at Omatsye College, Ajagbodudu; renovation of three classroom blocks,renovations of Examination hall; renovation and two bedroom staff quarters (Block A); renovation of two bedroom staff quarters (Block B); renovation of three bedroom staff quarters (Block A); renovation of three bedroom staff quarters (BlockB); renovation of three bedroom staff quarters (Block C); renovation of three bedroom staff quarters (Block D) and renovation of 3 bedroom staff quarters (Block E) at Iwere College, Koko, Warri North Local Government Area.
Construction of three classroom blocks with offices at Oduga Secondary School, Ushie; Construction of Administrative block (small size) at Ossissa Secondary School, Ossissa; Renovation of six classroom blocks; construction of fourStudents’ Toilets at Ibrede Secondary School, Ibrede and construction of four students’ toilets Oduga Secondary School, Ushie, Ndokwa-East Local Government Area, have all been completed across public Secondary Schools in the State.
She further noted that forty-four (44) projects are still ongoing amongst which are: Renovation of five Classroom Blockswith stores (Block A) at St. Mulumba College, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA; Construction of Perimeter Fence with Gate House (total length of 980 metres); and construction of Gate House all at Ossisa Secondary Commercial School, Ossisa, Ndokwa East LGA;
Supply of 1,091 Pupils/Student’s furniture and 60 Teachers furniture to selected public Schools in Oshimili North L.G.A in schools and are expected to be completed in the coming months.
This infrastructural drive is not an isolated gesture. It is part of a broader vision by Governor Oborevwori to modernize educational facilities state-wide, especially in rural and underserved areas. It underscores his administration’s belief that physical learning environments play a pivotal role in student performance, teacher retention, and overall educational outcomes.
The investment in infrastructure is also generating ripple effects in local economies—engaging local contractors, creating jobs, and injecting vitality into communities that surround the schools.
Building Schools, Building Futures
A cornerstone of the administration’s success has been infrastructure development. Recognizing that quality learning demands quality spaces, the state government has committed significant resources to rehabilitating secondary schools across the state. A prime example is the renovation of three laboratories with Stores and work-tops at Charles collegeAbavo. Construction of 600 length perimeter fence at Igbide Comprehensive High School. According to the Commissioner, some of the completed project includes, the supply of 906 learner’s furniture, with 19 teacher’s furniture in Udu Local Government Area, including the supply of 910 learner furniture and 16 teacher’s furniture in selected Public Schools in Ukwuani Local Government Area. Renovation of 12 classroom block comprising laboratories and toilet at Owa-Alero Secondary Commercial School. Supply of 3,250 pupil’sfurniture to selected schools in Burutu and Warri Federal Constituency etc.
These projects not only upgrade the physical structures but also signal a renewed commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where students can thrive. It’s a tangible reflection of the administration’s broader educational vision.
Supporting the Vulnerable Through Scholarships
In a society where many families face financial challenges, the administration has taken decisive steps to ensure that education does not become a privilege for only a few. Governor Oborevwori approved a wide-reaching scholarship initiative aimed at the children of deceased civil servants and students living with disabilities. In the 2023 academic year alone, 628 children of deceased state workers and 60 physically challenged students benefitted from this initiative. By covering all levels of education—primary, secondary, and tertiary—these scholarships are fostering equity and inclusion in the state’s education system.
Scholarships and Support: Education Without Barriers
Governor Oborevwori’s administration recognizes that access to education is still out of reach for many students due to economic constraints. To bridge this gap, a wide-reaching scholarship program has been launched targeting some of the most vulnerable groups in the state: children of deceased civil servants and students living with disabilities.
In the 2023 academic year, 628 children of late civil servants and 60 students with disabilities were awarded scholarships. These cover tuition and other academic expenses across all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—ensuring a seamless educational journey for these young Deltans regardless of their socio-economic status
The scholarship program is more than just a financial package—it is a gesture of inclusion, compassion, and vision. By prioritizing the education of these marginalized groups, the Oborevwori administration is taking deliberate steps toward eradicating systemic inequality in the state’s educational system.
This commitment reflects the broader theme of the “MORE” Agenda, Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—which underpins the Governor’s approach to governance.
Strengthening Educational Governance and Policy
A vital but often overlooked part of the educational system is the framework of governance and administration that supports it. Under Governor Oborevwori, there have been efforts to streamline school management processes and improve coordination between school administrators, local education authorities, and the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Through increased monitoring, regular teacher training workshops, and improved data collection for educational planning, the state is laying the groundwork for more efficient school operations. Teachers, as the frontline implementers of curriculum, are receiving greater support in the form of training, resources, and incentives. This not only improves job satisfaction but also translates to better teaching outcomes.
Furthermore, the government is encouraging community involvement in school affairs, recognizing the critical role that parents, local leaders, and non-governmental organizations play in supporting education.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
Two years into Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, it is clear that education is not being treated as a political talking point, but as a development imperative. The strides made in infrastructure, scholarship provision, student support, and educational reform indicate a comprehensive strategy to elevate the quality of secondary education in Delta State.
Yet, challenges remain. Population growth, funding needs, technological integration, and rural-urban disparities continue to pose hurdles. However, the current trajectory offers hope. With continued investment, stakeholder collaboration, and policy innovation, the state is well-positioned to overcome these barriers and emerge as a model for educational transformation in Nigeria.
The Oborevwori administration, two years on, is not merely reforming education—it is reshaping futures.
Conclusion
In just 24 months, the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has achieved what many would consider a significant turnaround. From visible infrastructure changes and ground-breakingscholarship programs to systemic reforms and national recognition, the foundation is being laid for a new era of learning in Delta State.
As the administration moves forward, maintaining this momentum and deepening its reforms will be crucial. But for now, the evidence is clear: a better-educated Delta State is not a far-off dream, it’s a vision already in progress.
