The Delta State Government has approved N10bn for the construction and furnishing of classrooms in 92 public schools, as part of efforts to address poor learning conditions and improve access to quality education.
The intervention will cover selected primary and secondary schools across the state, with more than 4,500 units of desks and chairs also approved to address shortages of school furniture.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after Monday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House Annex, Warri.
Aniagwu said the approval covered the first phase of the school infrastructure programme, adding that the government was concerned about the condition of facilities in public schools.
He said, “The Executive Council has approved contracts for the infrastructural development of selected primary and secondary schools under Phase One of the programme.
“We are also looking at providing over 4,500 units of school furniture to ensure that pupils and students have comfortable places to sit and learn.”
The commissioner explained that the intervention was aimed at closing infrastructure gaps in public schools and ensuring that children in different parts of the state had access to a better learning environment.
He said the government would work with community representatives and other stakeholders to identify the specific needs of schools and ensure that approved projects were properly implemented.
Aniagwu added that relevant ministries and agencies had been directed to maintain regular engagement with stakeholders across the 25 local government areas to monitor the projects and ensure that interventions addressed the actual needs of the communities.
He said the investment was part of the Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on extending development to communities across the state.
The commissioner also defended the decision to hold the State Executive Council meeting in Warri instead of Asaba, saying it was part of the government’s effort to bring governance closer to residents.
According to him, the governor had improved the Government House Annex in Warri to make it suitable for important government activities, including cabinet meetings.
He said holding such meetings outside the state capital would give residents in other parts of Delta a sense of belonging and demonstrate that government decisions were not restricted to Asaba.
Editorial note: Before publication, verify whether the N10bn covers both classroom construction and furnishing, and obtain the breakdown of the 92 schools, project locations, contract sums and expected completion dates. These details would strengthen the accountability value of the report.
