The Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as “remarkable progress” in the education sector, particularly in technical and vocational training, as the administration marks its third anniversary.
Speaking in an interview on the occasion of the governor’s third year in office, Hon. Ufoh said the Ministry of Technical Education has witnessed significant transformation under the present administration through major infrastructure projects, equipment provision, and manpower development.
He noted that several modern technical schools have been completed and commissioned by the governor, while others are nearing completion and expected to be ready for academic activities soon. According to him, these institutions are built to high standards and designed to provide practical, skills-based education.
The commissioner disclosed that the government has also invested heavily in modern training equipment worth billions of naira, which is being installed in technical schools across the state to ensure students acquire hands-on skills relevant to industry needs.
He explained that the focus of technical education in Delta State is to produce self-reliant graduates who can establish their own businesses, rather than depend solely on white-collar jobs.
According to him, students in technical schools are trained in various vocational and engineering fields such as mechanical work, civil engineering, bricklaying, electrical installations, plumbing, carpentry, and other trade areas that directly support industrial development.
Hon. Ufoh also highlighted that graduates of technical schools are awarded recognised certifications, including the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) and other technical certificates, which he said can make them employable both within and outside Nigeria.
He further stated that the state government has placed strong emphasis on capacity building for teachers and instructors, with regular training, workshops, and seminars aimed at improving their ability to effectively deliver technical education.
Addressing public perception, the commissioner dismissed the notion that technical education is inferior to conventional academic education, stressing that it is a skill-based system focused on practical training and entrepreneurship development.
He explained that the ministry has intensified awareness campaigns, which have led to increased enrolment in technical schools, with many parents now preferring to send their children to institutions where they can acquire employable skills.
Hon. Ufoh revealed that in the last admission exercise, some technical schools recorded overwhelming applications, leading to the temporary suspension of admissions due to limited space, a development he said reflects growing public confidence in the system.
He added that challenges such as the initial shortage of teachers and infrastructure pressure caused by high student enrolment are being addressed by the state government through continuous recruitment and expansion of facilities.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration has also approved the construction of additional classrooms and facilities to accommodate the rising number of students across technical schools in the state.
The commissioner further expressed optimism that by 2031, every local government area in Delta State will have at least one functional modern technical school, in line with the government’s long-term development plan.
On political continuity, Hon. Ufoh said the ongoing reforms in technical education require sustained leadership, adding that continuity would ensure full completion of ongoing projects and consolidation of gains already achieved.
He praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing him as a focused and results-driven leader whose administration has delivered impactful projects across all sectors of the state.
Hon. Ufoh also congratulated the governor on his third anniversary, praying for wisdom, strength, and continued success in steering the affairs of Delta State.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the administration and expressed confidence that ongoing reforms in technical education would position Delta State as a model for skills development and vocational training in Nigeria.
