Asaba, Delta State – After 35 years of hard work in government service, Mr Austin Oghoro, the longest-serving Permanent Secretary in Delta State, has retired. He spent 17 years as a top government official, working in both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
In a recent interview, Mr. Oghoro spoke about his experiences and some of the challenges he faced. He also talked about how private schools in Delta State charge parents too much money for exam registration. According to him, private schools make parents pay more than five times the amount set by the government.
Private Schools Charging Too Much?
Mr. Oghoro criticized private school owners for increasing exam fees without government approval. He explained that while the government sets affordable exam fees, some private schools ignore this rule and demand higher amounts from parents.
“They charge whatever they want without asking the government or even the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). But when the government asks for a small fee, they complain in the news,” he said.
He also said that many private schools do not hire qualified teachers or provide the quality education that parents pay for. He encouraged parents to be aware of these issues when choosing schools for their children.
His Journey and Advice to Others
Looking back on his career, Mr Oghoro admitted that working in education was not easy. He faced many challenges but remained committed to making a difference.
“It was a tough journey, but I trusted God and stayed focused. I believe civil servants should enjoy their jobs and work sincerely,” he said.
His official retirement date was April 1, and a special farewell ceremony was held on April 2 to celebrate his service.
Now retired, Mr Oghoro hopes that education in Delta State will continue to improve and that both the government and private schools will work together to ensure students get the best learning experience.
