BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/ELIZABETH ODUJE/ ONYINYE IKEMEFUNA/ FIDELIA ONUORAH
SCHOOLS across Delta State have resumed for the second term with an impressive turnout of pupils and students in many of the schools visited.
Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout while monitoring schools in Asaba, the state capital.
Ezewu inspected the preparedness of the schools for the new term while interacting with staff and students.
During a visit to Government model Secondary School, Unity Secondary School, Oruchi Comprehensive High School and Okpanam Secondary School, she commended teachers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to teaching. “The impressive turnout reflects the dedication and seriousness of our educators and parents. I applaud the efforts of our teachers and urge the to sustain this momentum throughout the term.” Ezewu also highlighted the importance of collaboration between management and parents to ensure that the academic calendar progresses smoothly and that students achieve greater excellence.
In Ika South Local Government Area, our correspondent, who visited Dein Secondary school, Agbor, to ascertain the level of turn out, reported that all the teachers were fully on ground.
Speaking to our correspondent, Mr Isaac Arimokwu, Chairman, NUT in Ika South chapter, welcomed all back to school and wished the teachers and students well.
He noted many teachers were at their duty posts in compliance with the Honourable Commissioner’s directive to resume on the first day, mark attendance registers and also have a group photograph of all the teachers as defaulters will be subjected to sanction.
He added that the students’ attendance was encouraging as teaching and learning has begun.
The Ika South NUT chairman urged teachers in the council to remain dedicated and committed to their duties against all odds as the economy bites harder.
He assured teachers that the NUT remains committed to their welfare at all times. However, our reporters who visited Afadia College, Asaba, noted that teachers were more in number than students. Also, Osemeke Primary School and Azagba Primary school both in Issele-Azagba, recorded low turnout of teachers and students.
Similar, the proprietress of Brain Theater School, Mrs. Ngozi Egbeafor, noted that attendance was significantly lower than in previous years because most parents were yet to return from their Yuletide travels.
Additionally, she noted that “transportation costs have drastically increased, which could be affecting families’ ability to get their children to school”, she said.
Many students expressed optimism about the new term, with many praising the government’s efforts to improve quality of education in the state. The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting schools with the necessary resources to foster academic growth and development.
