EDUCATION: THE BACKBONE OF DELTA STATE'S PROGRESS CITIES STRIVING: THE URGENT NEED FOR MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS By: Amb. Eki David Greg, MKO (08100247710)

EDUCATION: THE BACKBONE OF DELTA STATE'S PROGRESS

CITIES STRIVING: THE URGENT NEED FOR MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By: Amb. Eki David Greg, MKO (08100247710)

As the wise saying goes, "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of opportunity." In Delta State, Nigeria, the government has made significant strides in education, but the growing population and infrastructural demands necessitate a critical examination of the current state of public schools. With 1,126 public primary schools and 466 public secondary schools, the state has laid a foundation, but more schools are needed to cater to the teeming population.

THE MANIFOLD BENEFITS OF MORE SCHOOLS

Having more public schools will have a profound impact on the state, yielding numerous benefits, including:

- Employment Opportunities: Establishing more schools will create jobs for teachers, administrators, and support staff, thereby boosting the local economy and reducing unemployment.

- Enhanced Safety and Security: With more schools in proximity, children will no longer have to travel long distances, reducing the risk of exposure to security threats, kidnappings, and other forms of exploitation.

- Curbing Social Vices: Schools can serve as a safe haven for children, keeping them engaged and focused on their studies, thereby reducing the likelihood of involvement in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of delinquency.

- Increased State Revenue: Education is a key driver of economic growth. By investing in education, Delta State can develop a skilled workforce, attract investments, and increase revenue.

- Awareness for Education: More schools will create awareness for education, especially in underserved areas, and provide opportunities for children to acquire knowledge and skills.

- Development and Progress: Having more schools will bring more development to the state, as educated citizens are better equipped to contribute to the growth and progress of their communities.

- Reduced Financial Burden: More public schools will reduce the financial burden on parents, as they will have access to free or affordable education for their children.

- Ease of Accessibility: More schools will ease accessibility to education, especially for children from low-income families or those living in remote areas.

- Reduced Financial Cost: Having more public schools will reduce the financial cost of education for parents, as they will no longer have to bear the cost of transportation, uniforms, and other expenses associated with private schools.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The Delta State government has made notable efforts to improve education, including:

- Infrastructure Development: Constructing new classroom blocks, renovating dilapidated structures, and providing essential instructional resources.

- Teacher Development: Establishing a Teachers' Professional Development Centre to train and retrain teachers.

- Increased Access to Education: Supplying over 35,000 pupils' desks and building over 2,300 classrooms.

EXISTING SCHOOLS

Delta State is home to some notable schools, including:

- PRIMARY SCHOOLS:

    - Nana Primary School, Warri (est. 1909)

    - Ojojo Primary School, Warri

    - Alderstown Primary School 'A' and 'B', Warri

    - Alegbo Primary School, Effurun

    - Pessu Primary School, Ogedegbe, Warri

    - Ahabam Primary School, Asaba

- SECONDARY SCHOOLS:

    - Government College, Ughelli (est. 1945)

    - Urhobo College, Effurun

    - Dore Numa College, Warri

    - Essi College, Warri

    - Alegbo Secondary School, Effurun

    - Nana College, Warri

    - Abraka Grammar School, Abraka

    - Master Care International School, Asaba

    - Noble Academy, Asaba

THE WAY FORWARD

To address the growing demand for education, the Delta State government may consider:

- Increasing Funding: Allocating more funds to education infrastructure and teacher development programs.

- Establishing More Schools: Building schools in underserved areas to increase access to education.

- Teacher Training: Providing ongoing training and development programs for teachers to enhance their skills.

- Marginalized Communities: Implementing programs to enhance access to quality education for marginalized communities.

By investing in education, Delta State can build a brighter future for its citizens, promote economic growth, and reduce social inequalities. As the saying goes, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." The Delta State government must prioritize education to unlock the potential of its citizens and drive development.

DELTANS, TOGETHER WE CAN!