Opuama Residents Appeal to Government Over Collapsing Education System

The Opuama community in Delta State’s Warri North Local Government Area has expressed concern over the deterioration of its schools and the growing teacher shortage.

A recent visit to the area found horrific conditions at the three local schools. Many classrooms have shattered ceilings and roofs, and students are forced to sit on broken furniture or on the floor due to a lack of desks and chairs.

Despite the status of public education, Dr. Macaulay Owen, Chairman of the community’s Education Committee, noted that the community has been sponsoring 15 volunteer instructors, paying out over ₦100,000 monthly. He claims the cost is getting onerous.

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“Oloduwa and Azama Primary Schools each have three government teachers. Dr. Owen said the secondary school has five teachers who teach all classes from JSS1 to SS3.

He stated that multiple pleas have been made to both the local government and the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, but no tangible response has been obtained.

According to him, some government-deployed teachers are refusing to return to work owing to the area’s riverine character. He urged the administration to consider hiring qualified people from the community who are familiar with the area and willing to work.

Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, the Commissioner for Primary Education, verified that renovations were beginning at Azama Primary School and pledged that the concerns will be addressed.