Asaba: The Delta Government has announced that it has successfully re-enrolled at least 2,000 children who were out of school over the past year by implementing targeted outreach and support initiatives.
According to the state government, it has also recorded significant progress in improving the education sector.
Mr Samuel Mariere, the Executive Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB), said this while briefing journalists on Thursday in Asaba.
“A total of 507,050 learners, representing 62 per cent of the enrolled population, benefited from classrooms, learning materials, teacher support, and welfare facilities this year. Additionally, 5,511 teachers were trained by the board,” he said.
Mariere highlighted the various initiatives implemented by D-SUBEB to enhance the quality of education, include the supply of Braille, hearing devices, and mobility aids to support children with special needs.
“Additionally, teachers have been trained in differentiated instruction to cater to diverse learning needs. D-SUBEB has also strengthened supervision and feedback loops in early grades to improve reading skills.
” The board’s SMART School initiative has equipped the Orogun SMART School in Ughelli Local Government Area with smart boards, e-learning labs, and multimedia resources to enhance digital literacy,” he said.
He also disclosed that the board made significant progress in infrastructure development, completing 100 per cent of staff housing and making progress on other projects, including refectories and hostels.
A total of 491 classrooms were repaired and restored to usability, and 22 new perimeter block walls with gate houses were also renovated.
“A total of 164 VIP toilets were constructed; five solar-powered boreholes were provided (3,000 litres each) and others rehabilitated,” he added.
Mariere also disclosed that 167,707 textbooks were distributed across various schools in the state, with 80,907 through Universal Basic Education Commission and 86,800 via D-SUBEB/state resources, ensuring that every child has access to the necessary tools for learning.
According to him, 1,843 tablets, 28 laptops, 13 desktops, and 64 interactive boards were also deployed to various schools across the state, with special attention to rural, riverine, and hard-to-reach schools.
The chairman underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing education, ensuring that all initiatives were aimed at providing quality education and infrastructure for children in the state.