The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered an evaluation of dilapidated public primary and secondary schools across the state for urgent rehabilitation.
On Friday, at the opening of the newly completed Model Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, the Governor stated that the state had to improve the learning conditions for pupils and students.
As Oborevwori said, he has instructed that all the schools in Delta State which are in a deplorable state, regardless of whether they are primary or secondary schools, should be assessed for immediate rehabilitation.
He asked the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to start the assessment as soon as possible, pointing out that the state has more than 1,400 primary schools and 480 secondary schools that need continuous investment and maintenance.
The governor stated that the State Executive Council had instructed the various ministries to identify the schools which needed urgent intervention as part of their efforts to strengthen public education.
The new technical college, according to Oborevwori, was intended to give young people practical skills to improve their chances of finding employment and achieving economic independence.
He said the three additional model technical colleges, situated in Irri, Isoko South; Kiagbodo, Burutu; and Akugbene, Bomadi, would be completed and opened before December 2026.
He also announced a fund of 50 million naira for the education of Miss Ogheneovo Davina, a Junior Technical II student who spoke on behalf of her peers at the ceremony.
On behalf of the students, Davina thanked the governor for his investment in technical education and committed to using the facilities to acquire practical skills and become self-reliant by the time they graduate. She also said she would vote for Oborevwori in 2027, provided she was old enough to vote.
Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member for the Ethiope Federal Constituency, lauded both the quality of the project and the governor’s decision to carry it out. He was also praised for his efforts to promote unity within the party in the state.
Christian Onogba, Chairman of the Ethiope West Local Government Council, called the inauguration a major achievement, saying the governor’s development projects and political realignment had contributed to unity in Delta State.
HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku Oghara Na Me, congratulated the governor on the completion of the college.
Oborevwori praised former Governor James Ibori for his contributions to the state’s development and recognised the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for launching the Oghareki Technical College project, which his government later completed.
The condition of school buildings is a major factor in creating a favourable learning environment, since poor classrooms and insufficient facilities can affect teaching and learning.
Therefore, it is important to conduct routine assessments and rehabilitation of public schools so pupils and students can access safe, appropriate educational facilities.
