Why is Delta conducting schools needs assessment? — Aniagwu

The Delta State Government says its ongoing needs assessment of public schools is aimed at correcting imbalances in teacher deployment, infrastructure, and learning resources to ensure fair and effective allocation across the state.

Briefing journalists in Asaba, on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ordered the exercise to address long-standing imbalances and misuse of resources in the education sector.

Aniagwu explained that previous school renovations were often superficial, with contractors merely changing roofs and repainting buildings without tackling real needs.

He noted that the new approach will pinpoint where government intervention is most urgent, whether in classrooms, furniture, or qualified teachers.

“We are not in the business of fixing buildings for the sake of it. If a school has more classrooms than students require, we will prioritize another school where facilities are urgently needed,” Aniagwu said.

“Our approach is guided by teacher-student ratios and infrastructure needs, not political showmanship.”

The commissioner further stressed that the assessment will help correct staffing imbalances, as some urban schools have excess English or mathematics teachers, while rural schools lack them entirely.

He also frowned at the refusal of some teachers to accept transfers from city schools to rural communities, insisting that every teacher must be ready to serve where they are needed.

“Nobody is condemned to a particular school. We cannot allow rural communities to suffer shortages while some teachers in urban centers remain idle,” he added.

Aniagwu reaffirmed that all future government interventions in education whether infrastructure, teacher deployment, or furniture supply, would be strictly based on the outcome of the needs assessment exercise.