Sheriff Oborevwori Targets Learning Gaps With Massive School Furniture Rollout

State says phased intervention will address shortages in over 1,700 public schools through needs-based distribution and infrastructure reforms.

THE Delta State Government has intensified efforts to improve learning conditions in public schools through a statewide furniture replacement programme aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps across primary and secondary institutions.

The intervention, which involves the production and phased distribution of thousands of new classroom furniture units, forms part of broader education sector reforms under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

Speaking during an inspection visit to Setal Consolidated Enterprises, the contractor handling the production and distribution of the furniture, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government remained committed to improving educational infrastructure across the state.

According to him, the administration’s intervention followed a comprehensive assessment of public school facilities ordered by Governor Oborevwori shortly after assuming office.

Government Expands Beyond Classroom Renovation

Aniagwu explained that the initial assessment focused on identifying structural deficiencies in school buildings, leading to annual interventions involving classroom construction and renovation projects.

He noted, however, that the government later realised that infrastructure development could not stop at buildings alone, as many schools also lacked adequate furniture, laboratories, libraries and instructional facilities.

“The governor directed that new furniture should be produced for distribution across the three senatorial districts. Because quality is very important, we decided to engage a contractor that has demonstrated capacity and adherence to proper specifications,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that many classroom chairs and desks currently in use had deteriorated due to prolonged usage, vandalism and increasing student enrolment, making replacement unavoidable.

Needs-Based Distribution Strategy

Aniagwu stressed that the distribution process would not be based on political influence or equal allocation across communities but on verified needs assessments conducted by the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education.

According to him, schools with higher enrolment but relatively adequate furniture may receive fewer new items than smaller schools facing more severe shortages.

“A school with 700 pupils may receive fewer chairs than another with 400 pupils if the first school already has reasonable furniture. The essence is to address identified gaps and not to favour any community or individual,” he explained.

He also revealed that Governor Oborevwori had directed ministries and agencies to stop arbitrary project nominations influenced by political interests, insisting that all interventions must emerge from professional assessments and verified needs.

Aniagwu decried what he described as politically-motivated misinformation about the state of public schools in Delta State, accusing some critics of deliberately highlighting abandoned or unused structures while ignoring ongoing improvements in active learning environments.

Managing Challenges Across Over 1,700 Schools

The commissioner acknowledged the scale of the challenge confronting the government, noting that Delta State currently has more than 1,200 public primary schools and approximately 500 public secondary schools.

He said managing infrastructure, staffing and instructional materials across such a large education network requires sustained investment and strategic planning.

“We are not only building schools; we are also employing teachers and providing instructional materials because Delta State remains committed to quality education,” Aniagwu stated.

On her part, Commissioner for Primary Education, Rose Ezewu, said the ministry had already completed inventory and assessment exercises through its planning and research department to determine schools most in need of furniture.

She maintained that furniture distribution would strictly reflect actual student population and verified deficiencies in each school.

Contractor Assures Timely Delivery

Managing Director of Setal Consolidated Enterprises, Suru Salami, assured the government that production was progressing steadily.

According to him, the company is currently producing about 3,800 units of furniture, with more than 2,600 units already completed.

Salami disclosed that the remaining units would be completed soon while distribution would commence immediately after government releases the approved allocation list.

He also promised proper documentation of deliveries, including photographic evidence and inventory records, to ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution process.

The inspection team also included the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Patricia Iniovosa-Okakwu, Director of PRS Department, Ernest Ossai, and other senior officials.