Delta decries ‘politically-motivated misinformation’ on condition of schools

…Begins distribution of furniture in schools

Delta State Government has decried what it described as politically-motivated misinformation about the condition of schools in the State

“Some persons deliberately focus on abandoned or unused structures to misrepresent the Government’s efforts even when classrooms in such schools could cater to more pupils”, the government lamented.

The State’s outcry followed reports from some quarters, showcasing some schools where pupils were seen sitting on bare floor learning in a dilapidated building.

The reports seemed to have produced a positive result as the State Government gas started distributing furniture in schools across the three Senatorial Districts that made up the State.

Speaking while distributing the furniture, Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, said the governor directed that new furniture should be produced for distribution across the three senatorial districts.

“Because quality is very important, we decided to engage a contractor that has demonstrated capacity and adherence to proper specifications,” he stated.

He explained that the distribution would be done in phases based on detailed needs assessment carried out by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

He explained that schools would not receive equal quantities of furniture because distribution would depend on enrolment figures and existing facilities in each school.

“A school with 700 pupils may receive fewer chairs than another with 400 pupils if the first school already has reasonable furniture. The essence is to address identified gaps and not to favour any community or individual,” Aniagwu added.

According to him, the Oborevwori’s Administration has introduced strict monitoring measures to ensure that interventions are based strictly on verified needs rather than political considerations.

He said the governor had directed Ministries to stop arbitrary project nominations by public office holders, insisting that all projects must emerge from professionally verified needs assessments.

“In the past, some people would recommend projects in schools that did not require intervention simply to favour contractors. The governor has put a stop to that. Now, the ministry conducts proper assessment to determine what each school truly needs,” Aniagwu said.

He added that interventions now include classroom renovation, construction of new blocks, laboratories, toilets, administrative buildings and other essential facilities.

Aniagwu commended officials of the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education for effectively supervising the large number of schools in the state.

He disclosed that Delta State currently has over 1,200 public primary schools and about 500 secondary schools, a situation he said posed enormous challenges in terms of infrastructure, staffing and instructional materials.

“We are not only building schools; we are also employing teachers and providing instructional materials because Delta State remains committed to quality education,” he stated.

Rose Ezewu, the Commissioner for Primary Education, said the Ministry had already conducted inventory and assessment of schools requiring furniture through its planning and research department.

Ezewu also faulted reports portraying some schools negatively, stressing that many of the structures being highlighted were not currently needed for academic activities.

Suru Salami, Managing Director of Setal Consolidated Enterprises, assured the State Government that the company is working tirelessly to meet project deadlines. “We are currently producing about 3,800 units of furniture, out of which over 2,600 had already been completed.

Salami added that the Company still has over 1,200 units left to produce and would commence distribution immediately government released the approved distribution list.