KEHINDE OYETIMI, in this report, writes on the determined progress expressed by the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration in Delta State in creating modern learning environment. For residents of the state, it’s a dream come true.
Occupying a most central and critical position in Nigeria’s existence, Delta State referred to as “The Big Heart” has, in the recent past, come under huge phases of transformation. The vast spread of waste and squalor that once was associated with Delta State began to undergo a most rapid change since the government of the state came under the leadership of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as governor.
One of the areas which received a most compelling boost is the state’s education sector. Both in the interior and popular sections of the state, conducive learning environments for primary and post-primary students frequently spring. This gives a clear testament to the state’s unalloyed commitment to education. School buildings which had undergone very disturbing processes of decay and abandonment now wear new looks. From one end of the state to the other, model schools spiced with learning tools have replaced the decrepit penury in which the state’s education sector once sank.
At the Baptist Girls High School, Agbor, the transformation has been enormous. The dilapidated school today boasts of the structures of a model college. According to the school’s head girl, Esther Alioge, “It’s like a whole new school with a more conducive environment for the students. They are even adding a modern laboratory for practicals which will make the theory more meaningful.”
Cavegina Primary School, located in Warri, shares a similar fortune with the Baptist Girls High School. Before the Uduaghan-led administration stopped at the school, the school struggled pitiably to improve on its facilities. Formerly a Roman Catholic Mission, Cavegina is now rated among the best primary schools in Delta State. With modern blocks for classrooms, assemblies and other activities, the enrolment of pupils has greatly improved. With a spacious school compound, the school today provides a centre that promotes community cohesion.
For the Vice Principal of Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, Lady Loretta Nwabueze, the present administration of the state has transformed the education sector of the state. With the upgrade of the school, she stated that the effects on the students have been most rewarding.
According to her, “The students are excited; they stay in class and receive lectures comfortably in a cool environment. The number of students has even increased because of the renovation. The principal is always telling the students that they have to look as neat as their school. Parents that used to take their children to private schools are now bringing them here.”
Even the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ozoro, which is one of forty missionary schools in the state, was not left out. Much renovation has gone through the school and the occupants are the better for it.
The Hussey College, located in Warri, once one of the most prestigious schools in Nigeria, is being totally renovated on its original site. In a contemporary academic environment including space for environmental and physical education, the school will regain its status as an outstanding learning facility.
A clearly jubilant Mr Otis Hendris Ajuyah, the principal of the school, stated that “When these projects are completed, the children in the junior and senior classes will be separated. The junior laboratory will be working, and the students who presently eat in the hostel will be able to use the dining hall. Many people will bring their children here because they will get the best.”
The same efforts are replicated at Etako Primary School, Ughelli. For the pupils, teachers and parents, it had never been this good. Speaking, one of the community leaders, Stephen Onoje, argued that “With what is happening now, parents are already bringing their children here. Though the structure is beautiful with modern facilities and space for every child, they are overjoyed by the better security. Without doubt, the school has brought development to Okpare.”
At Ebikeniye Primary School, Kpakiama, Bomadi, much work has been carried out in the renovation of the school. The head teacher of the school, Mr Meslore Fredrick, expressed much optimism when he said that “On completion of the school, teaching and learning environment will be conducive. It will attract teachers and more pupils. Security will improve when the place is completed and fenced.”
Oghara residents have been unable to contain their joy with the face-lifting that the present administration has extended to Ogbarefe Secondary School, located within their domain. An elated Kelvin Umukoro, the community’s liaison officer had this to say. “The new structures have developed this school tremendously. Before, the classrooms were so hot that you could not force students to stay inside. Now children come to school early to enjoy the atmosphere and the devotion of the teachers. With increased enrolment, the community has benefitted economically. We the indigenes are very happy."
The state equally extended similar gesture to Elema College, Abigborodo. As implied by a highly creative mural painted on one of the sides of a classroom block, and a basketball court in the middle of the school compound, Elema College is set to emphasize creative thinking as well as physical fitness. The present state of the college is a clear indication of the governor’s readiness and willingness to boost the creative impetus of the youths.
Olodi Primary School, Warri, has equally benefited from the transformation crusade of the governor. Formerly defaced by dilapidated buildings, the school today carries an imprint of the commitment of the state government with the provision of learning facilities and the erection of new, modern buildings as classrooms.
A trader, Mrs Vitalis Ogbonna, who plies her wares near the school, stated that “Before, it was not looking like a school, but a hideout for bad people. Today, we are very happy, the gate is secure. The teachers are very happy and proud too.”
For pupils and teachers of Pessu Primary School, Warri, it is a breath of fresh air. With new classrooms and a conducive learning environment, the pupils are sure to experience a major improvement in learning. Speaking, one of the school teachers, Mr Akakabota Onoriode, said that “Before, the school was in a very bad state...no seats, but now everything is in surplus. The children now enjoy learning and the teachers now enjoy teaching. People in the community now have a school they can proudly point at as their school. In fact, we are very happy.”
At St Michael’s College, Oleh, the visual delight is compelling. Formerly in a sorry state, today the college boats of a significant improvement in structure. Its newly refurbished administrative building is the gateway to an array of modern and well equipped classroom blocks, dormitories and facilities for arts and science.
The structurally-improved Abu-ator Primary School in Asaba is a totally modern educational environment within the urban Asaba setting, reflecting the emergence of Delta State as a model of proper resource administration and determined development.
Equally, the restructured premises of Zappa Primary School in Asaba re-emphasises the school’s historic tradition of preparing students for distinction at home and abroad and this will certainly be restored with the prevailing re-ordering process going on.
Not relenting in his demonstration of commitment in revamping the education sector of Delta State, the governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan revealed the rationale behind the giant strides.
According to him, “We are building model schools to facilitate the achievement of a community of dynamic, enlightened leaders and thoughtful global citizens. We are building schools that will challenge our children to develop their values and foster their ambition to reshape the world.
“To be sure that our young ones are competitive with doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals anywhere in the world, the government of Delta State has worked with educators, parents, community and civic leaders to give education a more meaningful and impactful outlook, and the designs of our new as well as our refurbished schools reflect this.
“There is no greater resource than the minds of our children; if this administration does nothing other than to provide every Delta child with a quality education, it would have done a great job. Quality schools begin with quality faculty working in a quality environment.
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