MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

ASABA

Press Release January 2010

Agoba appeals to individuals, organizations to assist govt. provide educational facilities

An appeal has gone to philanthropic organizations wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to assist the State government in the provisions of basic educational needs in schools. The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba made the appeal at Uwheru in Ughelli North local government area during the commissioning of Information and Communication Technology Centre built by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNF, PCO, and donated to Uwheru Grammar Schools I and 11. Mrs. Agoba stated that such gestures would complement the efforts of the State government in the provision of basic teaching and learning materials in the Schools across the State. She said that the gesture of the company would definitely stimulate the study of information technology by the students and therefore called on other establishments to emulate the gesture and provide similar projects to schools in their areas of operation. The Commissioner used the occasion to appeal to the principals, staff and students of both schools to make good use of the facilities in order to justify the huge investment. In his speech before handing over the keys of the building to the Commissioner, the Business Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Mr. Chidi Chukwueke said that the centre was built in support of the company's vision to contribute to the development of computer literacy amongst students at secondary and tertiary levels.

SUBEB organizes workshop for teachers, supervisors and administrators

To keep pace with the human capital development agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the sound education policy of the Federal Government, a workshop on Teachers Professional Development has kicked-off. The training programme for supervisors, school administrators and teachers in the State was organized by the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB in collaboration with the Consultancy Unit of the Federal College of Education Technical Asaba. Flagging off the programme, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Chief Pat Ejeteh said it was to recharge, reorganize and upgrade the technical know-how of participants as part of measures aimed at repositioning the sector for effective delivery. Chief Ejeteh said, the 2009 edition of the training has been designed to take place in Agbor, Ozoro, Kwale, Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele, Abraka and advised participants to use the knowledge acquired to improve on their teaching skills under the UBE. She outlined areas where the workshop would focus to include practical application of Information Technology in Core subjects, duties of secretaries, accountants and modern methods in the preparation of lesson notes and teaching. The Director Consultancy Services, Federal College of Education Technical, Mrs. Magdalene Okogba said the school decided to partner with SUBEB to bridge the yawning gap in the acquisition of technical knowledge in the education sub-sector. One of the participants Mrs. Onyebuchi Onye-Oko thanked the Executive Chairman of SUBEB for finding them worthy to participate in the training and promised to bring the knowledge gained to bear in the performance of their duties.

Agoba charges teachers to be dedicated to duty

A six-day Workshop on the generation of test items for the 2010 Junior School Certificate Examination in the State has opened in Asaba. Declaring the workshop open, the commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba charged the teachers to be more focused and dedicated so as to improve standards both in teaching and learning. She said the aim of the workshop was to create a forum for teachers and other professionals, with relevant experiences in the education sector to review the past instruments. Mrs. Agoba said the workshop was geared towards generating new questions to enrich the existing ones for the assessment of candidates for the Junior School Certificate main and resist examinations. She said her ministry had included Islamic Religious studies and Computer Science for assessment in the 2010 examination which is in line with the Basic Education curriculum. Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director Examinations and Standards, Mrs. JL111C Akinmoyewa said the exercise which was an annual event, was in preparation for a successful conduct of the Junior School Certificate Examination. Mrs. Akinmoyewa said the workshop would provide an opportunity to discuss issues related to the cognitive evaluation of the students at the end of their Basic Education under the Universal Basic Education programme UBE. She urged participants to be committed so as to justify the huge financial commitment of the government to education in the State. Some participants commended the State government for organizing the workshop anti promised to reciprocate the gesture by bringing out their best.

Commissioner charged teachers to imbibe discipline in teaching and learning

The Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba have charged Teachers in the state to revive the culture of discipline in both teaching and learning in order to move the education sector to an unprecedented height. Mrs. Agoba gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the workshop on the Generation of Test Items for 2010 Junior School Certificate Examination held at St, Patrick's College, Asaba. The Commissioner said the training workshop is geared towards review of the past evaluative instruments with a view to generating new ones so as to enrich the question bank with which the Ministry can adequately and effectively generate instruments for assessment of candidate for the Junior School Certificate Main and Resit examination. She thanked Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for giving priority attention to secondary education in the area of free enrolment fees for the senior secondary certificate examination in the state, and urged secondary school Teachers to improve on their past performance by making examination credible and challenging for students to fit into the global standard, even as she said that Islamic Religious Studies and Computer Science have been included for assessment in the 2010 examination year in line with the Basic Education Curriculum. In a welcome address, the Director Examination and Standard, Mrs. Julie Akinmoyewa urged the participants to put the knowledge to be acquired at the workshop in the performance of their duties. Mrs. Akinmoyewa also enjoined the participants to justify the confidence reposed in them, adding that they are expected to produce items that are credible, reliable, valid and suitable that will elicit expected learning outcomes from the students.

Ajudua commended for uplifting education in the state

The member representing Oshimili North in the state House of Assembly Honourable Pat Ajudua has been commended for her immense contributions towards the educational upliftment of her constituency. The commendation was made by the Principal of Ibusa Girls Senior Secondary School, Ibusa, Mrs. Elizabeth Osuya and her Junior Secondary School counterpart, Mrs. Lucky Erihwor during a visit to Honourable Ajudua in her Office. The two school Principals said they were at the office of the law maker on behalf of the teachers and students of the two institutions to express their appreciation for the lawmaker’s construction of an ultra-modern and equipped examination hall in the school. The school principals remarked that over the years, Honourable Ajudua has apart from the construction of the examination hall, continued to show concern to the welfare of staff and students and urged others to emulate her. Mrs. Osuya and Mrs. Erihwor jointly used the occasion to appeal to the legislator to further assist them with the provision of school chairs and tables as well as posting of more teachers to the school. Honourable Ajudua thanked the principals for the visit saying that it will spur her to do more. She stated that education is one of the major concerns in her programmes hence she embarked on the construction of examination halls in almost all the secondary schools in the area as part of her constituency project and promised to continue to do her best in the upliftment of education in the area. In another development, Honourable Ajudua has given cash gifts ranging from Twenty and Fifteen thousand Naira each to over fifty men, women and youths of' Accord party in ward four Ibusa in Oshimili North Making the cash presentation, Honourable Ajudua said the gesture was to fulfill the promise she made during her just concluded town hall meeting held with members of ward four to assist the people of the area in the upliftment of their daily needs. The lawmaker who assured that she will continue to give assistance to all especially the less privileged of the society, called on all well meaning people especially political office holders to always extend their love and concern to their people. Responding, the Director-general of the Ajudua organization Comrade David Ashikodi, the Chairman of the ward, Mr. Odinigwe Okafor and Mrs. Lizzy Gbunor who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked Honourable Ajudua for the gifts and promised to make judicious use of the money.The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the cash gifts to the beneficiaries by Honourable Ajudua.

Agoba warns school principals to desist from illegal act

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba has, once more, warned Principals of public secondary schools in the State not to drive away students from schools for refusing to enroll for NECO examination. Mrs. Agoba gave the warning yesterday in Warri when she paid an unscheduled visit to Delta Secondary School to confirm the allegation that the Principal was driving students away from school for failure to enroll for the examination. She said that NECO examination was optional and therefore warned Principals to desist from the illegal act, as she would not hesitate to impose heavy sanction on any Principal who flouted the directive of the Ministry. The Commissioner stated that the State Government's decision to take over the payment of WAEC enrolment fees had relieved many parents of the burden and wondered why some Principals would defy the directive of the Ministry to force students to enroll for an examination they were not ready to write. In her defense, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Evelyn Arinze said that she did not force the students to enroll for the examination as only 63 out of over 300 candidates that enrolled for the WAEC examination registered for the NECO examination. Mrs. Arinze further stated that she only advisbd the students to enroll for both examination in their own interests and never forced them against their wish. Mrs. Agoba was also at Esume-Ukwu Primary School, Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area where she directed the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Ucheka Ebinum to report to her office in Asaba with the list of pupils he enrolled for the Primary Six Leaving Certificate Examination as he could not give a satisfactory breakdown of the N800.00 he collected from each pupil for the examination. .The Commissioner stated that it was unacceptable for school heads to exploit parents/guardians for their selfish ends warning that the ministry would deal decisively with offenders when caught. The Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Julie Young and the Director of Public Private Partnership in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Gegere accompanied the Commissioner on the tour.

PPEB Chairman reaffirms Board’s recent recruitment exercise

The Chairman of the State Post Primary Education Board PPEB, Mrs. Evelyn Aluta has reaffirmed that the recent recruitment of teaching and non-teaching personnel by the Board was strictly for rural schools. She stated this while expressing surprise at the reaction of some of the new employees, saying the purpose of the recruitment was made clear to every applicant at the time forms were collected. Mrs. Aluta urged anyone that is not willing to go to rural schools, especially the riverine areas to back out to enable others benefit from the exercise. She said the recruitment exercise was now over adding that the Board did not have the mandate to employ. On the issue of those yet to receive posting letters, Mrs. Aluta explained that the exercise was done in batches, to enable the Board verify some anomalies in their forms and documents, and advised them to be patient as the Board would release the last batch this week. She enjoined the newly recruited staff to be diligent in their duties to reciprocate the state government's gesture.

Uduaghan commended for imploying infrastructural development in schools

The need for granduants of different schools to contribute their quota towards the infrastructural growth of their alma mater has been identified as one of the ways to move the education sector forward. .A former Pupil of the Elite Primary School Obeti in Ukwuani Local Government Area Mr. Festus Azaka stated this when he donated exercise books and stationeries worth thousands of naira to the school. Mr. Azaka who made the donation on behalf of the donor Chief F.E.W Ojoko urged others graduands of the school to assist government in attracting development to schools. He commended Governor Uduaghan for constructing blocks of classrooms and sinking borehole in the school. Receiving the items on behalf of the Chief Inspector Education Mrs. Faith Ogume thanked the donor for his magnanimity and enjoined the teachers and pupils to put the books and stationeries into good use.

Agoba charges school head to change attitude to duty

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba has directed the Principal of Elume Senior Secondary School, Elume in Sapele Local Government Area, Mrs. Eva Adego to report to the office of the Commissioner to explain why teaching had not commenced in her school since the resumption of schools for the second term almost three weeks ago. The Commissioner gave this directive when she paid an unscheduled visit to the school to ascertain complaints from the community on the attitude of the Principal and her teachers to duty. On arrival in the school, Mrs. Agoba met only one teacher, Mr. Sunday Agageche whom the students confirmed to be the only regular teacher since the school’s resumption while the Principal came to school for the first time at 9.25am and another teacher at 9.55am on the day in question. Addressing the students of both junior and senior schools, the Commissioner appealed to them to take their studies seriously as that was the only way they would achieve success in their academic goals. She equally commended the Principal of the Senior School, Mrs. Rosemary Ojuedere and her teachers for their commitment to duty and therefore implored them to sustain the tempo as their efforts would be acknowledged. ln her meeting with the Elume Community, the Community Secretary, Mr. Abraham Ulose told the Commissioner that the Principal of the Junior School Mrs. Adego had been a problem to the growth of the school and therefore appealed to the Ministry to take decisive action in the interest of the school in particular and the community in general. Other schools visited were Otoruama Primary school, Elume, where she commended the Headmistress, Mrs. Roli Efere for her dedication to duty, Adeje Secondary Schools I and II, Adeje and Basic Secondary Schhool, Jeddo in Okpe Local Government Area.

Agoba closes down illegal schools

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba has ordered the immediate closure of Solid Rock Primary School, Ughelli for operating in a ramshackle environment and with approval licence suspected to have being forged. Mrs. Agoba gave the order recently in Ughelli when she paid an unscheduled visit to the school. She said that the Ministry would carry out a thorough investigation to find out the source of the licence. She further stated that the Ministry would soon embark on inspection of schools across the state with a view of closing down all unapproved and ramshackle schools. Mrs. Agoba said that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow unscrupulous individuals and organizations to operate illegal schools with impunity and appealed to owners of such schools to close them now in their own interest. She stated that the Ministry had stipulated the guidelines that must be followed before any private school could come on stream and therefore called on prospective proprietors/proprietresses to visit the offices of the Chief Inspectors of Education in the various Local Government Areas or the Inspectorate Department of the Ministry for necessary information. The Commissioner also closed down Free Gold Nursery/Primary School, Egbimidaka-Elume in Sapele Local Government Area for operating in a ramshackle environment and without the Ministry's approval.

Ejeteh inaugurates Committee

The State Implementation Committee and the State Coordinating Unit charged with the responsibility of enhancing the learning of Mathematics and Science Education in the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB has been inaugurated. The Committee called Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education SMASE as the executive chairman of SUBEB Chief Pat Ejeteh as Chairman, the state chairman of the NUT, COPSHON, representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, National Teachers Institute NTI and some heads of various departments of SUBEB as members. Inaugurating the Committee, Chief Pat Ejeteh said the project was geared towards upgrading the teaching skills of teachers through regular training saying that the Board was poised to ensure the success of the programme in the state. She charged members of the Committee and stakeholders in the primary school sub-sector to redouble their efforts to ensure that all challenges hampering effective learning was addressed. Chief Ejeteh commended the partnership between Federal government and the Japanese government explaining that it has led to capacity building and infrastructural development. The Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education Mr. Joseph Aguiyi said SMASE was conceptualized to enhance the performance of teachers in Mathematics and Science Education.

Uduaghan decry ownership of Education institution

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has warned communities or ethnic groups in the State where institutions of higher learning are located not to lay claim to the ownership of such institutions. The governor gave the warning in Asaba while swearing-in a new member for the State House of Assembly Service Commission and inaugurating the reconstituted Governing Councils of some tertiary institutions as well as the State Scholarship Board. The new State House of Assembly Commission member is sixty-one year, Mrs Josephine Adah Kachikwu, a lawyer. The reconstituted Governing Councils are the State Polytechnic, Ozoro with Professor Gabriel Yomere as Chairman; the State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku is headed by Professor Abednego Ekokoh while the State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara has Doctor Steve Oru as Chairman. For the College of Education, Warri, Governing Council, Dr Elizabeth Ogini is head, College of Education, Agbor, Pat Muoboghare Chairman, College of Physical Education Mosogar has Professor Clement Nwawolo as Chairman. Reverend Father Buchi Aninye was inaugurated as Chairman of the State Scholarship Board. Governor Uduaghan pointed out that the institutions of higher learning were established as a means of fostering ethnic harmony and debunked claims that the dissolution of the former Governing Councils Father had political undertones. He stressed that the councils were dissolved because of friction between them and the management of the schools and warned Boards of Government Owned Parastatals and Departments against squabbles with the establishments they supervised. Dr Uduaghan advised the new State House of Assembly Service Commission member to partner with her colleagues to move the Commission forward.

Agoba directs principals,teachers to begin intensive teaching Education

The Chief Inspector of Education in Sapele Local Government Area, Mr. John Itedjere has been directed to issue queries to the Principal of Ogiedi Secondary School II, Ogiedi-Elume, Mrs. Rosemary Oghenkaro and some teachers for being absent from school. The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba gave the directive when she visited the school to monitor the resumption of academic activities for the second term. Mrs. Agoba equally directed the Principal of Junior Secondary School, Mr. Kokorita Orherhe to query thirteen teachers absent and route it through the office of the Chief Inspector of education. She said that Monday, 4`h January, 2010 was the official resumption date known to all school heads, teachers as well as pupils and students and wondered why schools were still empty two days after resumption. The Commissioner stated that the non-challant attitude of school heads and their teachers was responsible for the falling standards in the school system and threatened to sanction school officials that toyed with their duties. Mrs. Agoba earlier visited Ufuoma Mixed Secondary School, Sapele where normal academic activities were going on unlike Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele where all the teachers were present without a single student in attendance. She implored the Principals and the teachers to device means of attracting students to the school from day one of resumption and also appealed to them to carry out effective teaching as that would not only eliminate examination malpractices but would help to raise standards. The Commissioner also visited Idjere Grammar School, Jesse in Ethiope West Local Government Area where she directed the Principals and the teachers to ensure that effective teaching commenced with the few students present

Uduaghan is committed to ensure a goal oriented educational system in the state

The Governor of Delta State is irrevocably committed to ensure the realization of the goals of education for all within the shortest possible time. The governor, made this Assertion at Mbiri, Ika north- East Local Government of Delta State On the occasion of the First Annuaul Inter-house Athletics sports competition of' Command `secondary School, Mbiri at the Schools sports ground. Governor Uduaghan, who spoke through the chief Inspector Of Education (CIE) in the Area, Sir Joseph Ogbugo, stated that the mission and vision of the Education for all has been found to be in line with one of the state Government three point agenda of human capital development with a view topromoting and fast tracking the realization of the potentials of real education for all. On this note, the state Government has an in built policy of liberalization of Educational opportunities in order to make education more assessable to greater number of our children and youths, stressing that the state Government has abolished examination fees in both public primary and Secondary schools, also it has liberalized placement and admission Conditions of pupils and students into primary and secondary schools. The first citizen m the state emphasized the importance of organizing inter-house sports in schools which cannot be over emphasized, adding that sports competition in Schools is a potent instrumentality to develop and discover new talents in sport.The Governor promised to study the needs of the school with a view to addressing them based on merits. The chairman of the occasion, Honorable (Prince) Sam Obi of the State house of Assembly who was represented by the Former Executive Secretary, Local Education Authority in the area. Mr. Bania, expressed happiness with the Commandant of the school, Lieutenant Colonel MA Uba for good environmental situation in the school and the disciplinary posture of the students and their positive behavioral development. Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of the Command secondary School Mbiri, Lieutenant Colonel M. A. Uba, Stated that some of the achievements of` the school since its inception include, improvement and maintenance of high level of discipline and academic standard among, the staff and the students, Circe lift and Upgrading commands residence, administrative block and medical inspection room, extension of water to every nook and crannies of the school among others. While expressing, appreciation to Governor Uduaghan administration, parent, the Secretary to the State Government and the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board For their co-operation, he appealed for the provision of assembly hall, standard computer laboratory, standard library building among others. Tthe athletics competition, purple house came first; yellow house came second, while the third position went to blue house.

Civic education in schools will boost children development- Agoba

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Mrs. Juliet Agoba says teaching of Civic education in secondary schools will lead to the overall development of the children. The commissioner disclosed this at a workshop organized by the National Orientation Agency in conjunction with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Asaba. The Commissioner who was represented by the Chief Inspector of Education, in Oshimili South said when positive behavouir such as hardwork, discipline and honesty are imparted on the child it will help in rebranding the nation. The Acting State Director National Orientation Agency, Mr. Isaac Ezechi said the Agency chose to focus on children in order to inculcate in them good morals and discipline that would help in Nation building. Mr. Ezechi said the workshop would also help to create and sustain a strong bond between the children and the Nation with a view to developing a high sense of Patriotism.

Uboh promises qualitative education in Ika nation

The member representing Ika Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Honourable Doris Uboh has promised qualitative representation of the people of Ika nation. Honourable Uboh gave the assurance while briefing the press at Agbor as part of activities lined up for her 2009 empowerment programme in Ika federal constituency. The lawmaker said her empowerment programme is in line with the three point agenda of the Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and this year's empowerment programme would be addressing three critical sectors of the economy, which are health, Education and Agriculture. Honourable Uboh said last year she provided water schemes to several communities in Ika South and Ika North East as well as laboratory equipment to seventeen schools in her constituency. She said the skill acquisition centre for youths and women development centre being established in her area are second to none in Nigeria. Honourable Uboh stated that one thousand farmers in Ika South and Ika North-East will receive fertilizer for cassava and palm tree production. The federal lawmaker disclosed that dryers for hair dressing and sewing machines would be distributed during the empowerment programme. Honourable Uboh said following the prevalence of cancer in women,she has purchased a cancer screening medical equipment to be located in Agbor central hospital. She disclosed that six hundred women were screened recently of which forty-four women who were positive have been promised treatment free of charge. Honourable Uboh, an engineer, said next year, she will provide free eye surgery to improve the health of those with eye problems. The federal law maker and the people offered prayers for the growth and development of the areas.

Agoba urges principals to take full control of schools

The State Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Oti Agoba has called on Principals of public secondary schools in the State to take full control of their schools. Mrs. Agoba made this appeal in Sapele when she paid an unscheduled visit to Okpe Grammar School, Amukpe where she discovered that many teachers were not in the school as at 9.00 am. She said that she would not tolerate any form of truancy from anybody and therefore warned the Principals to ensure that their teachers were in school on tirne and perform their duties diligently. As at 9.00 am only nine out of fifteen teachers in the Senior School were present while in the Junior School I, out of twenty five teachers only nine were present and in the Junior School II, only eight teachers out of 17 were present. Mrs. Agoba directed all the absentee teachers to report in her office in Asaba to explain why they were not in the school when she arrived. Speaking on behalf of the Principals, the Principal of Senior School, Mr. Alfred Oghure assured the Commissioner that they would do their best to infuse discipline among the teachers and students. He also appealed to the Ministry to ensure that the school is fenced to wade -off intruders into the school.

Graduate teachers in public primary schools can now rise to grade level 16

University graduate teachers in the public primary schools in the State can now rise to Grade Level 16 as their terminal point. This cheering news was announced in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Oti Agoba during her maiden meeting with major stakeholders in the education sub-sector. Mrs. Agoba equally stated that graduate teachers in public primary schools who wish to move to the secondary schools are free to do so. She said that the State Government took these far reaching decisions as a way to enhance the welfare of the teachers thereby creating room for more productivity from them. The Commissioner also stated that the State Government had approved the release of funds to Principals and Head Teachers for the conduct of the first term examination. Mrs. Agoba said that in spite of the efforts of the Government to make the teachers comfortable, many of them still indulged in some acts inimical to the growth of education. She therefore admonished them to change their ways and tow the line of honour as she would soon embark on unscheduled visits to schools where she would not hesitate to deal severely with any teacher found wanting. On the issue of examination malpractices, the Commissioner advised those involved in act to desist forthwith as the Ministry had mapped out strategies to deal with the problem and called on stakeholders particularly owners of private school to assist the Ministry in the fight. While soliciting the maximum support and cooperation of the stakeholders, Mrs. Agoba instructed the school heads to spend more time supervising their teachers during school hours instead of spending more time in their offices. In their specific separate remarks, the leadership of the various associations in the education sub-sector commended the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for appointing a professional teacher as the Education Commissioner and promised to contribute their quota towards moving education to a higher level. They however appealed to the Government to ensure that public schools were given face-lift as a way to promote conducive teaching learning environment. Those present in the meeting included Members of the Post Primary Education Board, State Universal Basic Education Board, PPEB Permanent Secretaries, Chief Inspectors of Education, Local Education Authority Secretaries, School Heads and Representatives of Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON).

Eghagha charges parents to pay attention to their children education

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Hope Eghagha has charged parents to pay more attention to the education of their children. Dr. Hope Eghagha gave the charge during a reception put together by Mereje community to honour three of their illustrious sons; Sir Tom Amioku, Dr. Hope Eghagha and Hon. (Dr.) Joseph Otirhue at Mereje. Higher Education commissioner who express dissatisfaction over children who are not in school, said every child should posse Minimum of Senior Secondary Certificate (SSCE) in order to meet the challenges of the 2 I st century. Dr. Hope Eghagha canvassed for Okpe Language to be taught in Okpe Primary Schools, assuring they will continue to do our best for the benefit of Okpe people as well as Delta State. He thanked the community for the colourful reception adding that it a sign of good thing to come. Dr. Hope Eghagha urged Okpe people to continue to support the Government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as it is poise to bring dividend of democracy to the people. Members of the community, who expressed their confidence on the honourees, thank them for their contributions towards the development of Mereje Community.

Agoba enjoines zonal P.S, C.I.ES to work together to move education forward in the State

The State Commissioner for Education (Basic &, Secondary), Mrs. Juliet Oti Agoba has called on the Zonal Permanent Secretaries in the Post Primary Education Board to work harmoniously with the Chief Inspectors of Education in the Local Government Areas in order to move education forward. Mrs. Agoba made the appeal in Asaba when she met with the Permanent Secretaries in her office. He told them to see themselves and the Chief Inspectors of Education as her field officers entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that teachers and students in the schools carry out their duties accordingly. The Commissioner implored them to ensure that in the course of carrying out their duties there should be no conflict between them and the Chief Inspectors of Education but rather should complement each other. Mrs. Agoga equally appealed to them to actively participate in the monitoring of Principals in schools in their zones particularly in the areas of illegal collection of levies, truancy among teachers and other vices plaguing the school system. She told them to be patient as the Ministry would look into some of the problems confronting them in their zonal offices. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Permanent Secretary, PPEB Headquarters, Sir. John Okoh congratulated the Commissioner on her appointment and promised her of their maximum cooperation to enable her achieve the set goals. Sir Okoh however appealed to her to provide the Zonal Offices with utility vehicles to enable them embark on thorough inspection of schools in their various zones. He also called on the Commissioner to take a critical look on the problem of over-population in some schools which had greatly affected teaching and learning thereby creating room for examination malpractices.

Agoba visits schools in Warri North for assessment inspection

The State Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), Mrs. Juliet Agoba in the company of members of the Project Implementation Committee for the re-opening of schools closed down in the reverine areas during the Niger Delta crisis visited Umugbe Primary School, Abigborodo, in Warri North Local Government Area for an on the spot assessment inspection of the school. Mrs. Agoba who was conducted round the school by the Chairman of the Abigborodo Development Committee, Mr. Christian Okonedo expressed her appreciation on the completion of the building and therefore called on other contractors to finish their jobs without further delay. Addressing the pupils in the school, the Commissioner admonished them to take their studies seriously as that was the only to attain success in the future. In response to the speech of the chairman of the Community Development Committee, Mrs. Agoba promised to raise the issues with the appropriate authorities in order to solve the problems. Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Mr. Okonedo appealed to the Ministry to post more teachers to both the primary and secondary schools in the town as well as open new schools in some other communities Without schools presently stressing that children from such villages found it difficult to come to Abigborodo on daily basis for schooling Also in their separate remarks, two community leaders, Mrs. Elizabeth Ekede and Mr. Samson Emiojenre thanked the State Government for giving their primary school a major face lift. They equally appealed to the State Government to construct staff quarters so that teachers posted to the schools in the town would be encouraged to remain and teach there. The Commissioner later visited Eternit factory in Sapele where she inspected the modular panels used in the construction of the classrooms. A one time Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Kent Omatsome, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Basic and Secondary), Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, his counterpart in the Ministry of Housing, Dr. Julius Oritsejafor, Chief Ebinani and Mr. Godwin Oradaghwe were in Commissioner's entourage.

Agoba solicits cooperation with PPEB Chairman to move education forward

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Juliet Agoba has called on the Board of the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) to cooperate with the Ministry in order to move education forward. Mrs. Agoba made the call in Asaba when the Executive Chairman and Members of' the Board paid her a courtesy call in her office. .She said that the problems in the education industry were challenging and therefore required the maximum support of rnajor stakeholders to it to a higher level. I The Commissioner called on the Board to work in tandem with the Ministry and avoid any form of conflict that would retard the growth of education. On the issue of indicted Principals, Mrs. Agoba promised to look into the issue with a view of coming out with an official pronouncement. Earlier in her speech, the Executive Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Evelyn Aluta congratulated the commissioner on her well deserved appointment and promised to cooperate with her in order to change the face of education in the State. Mrs. Aluta assured her that the board would at all time carry out its statutory functions for a better educational development. She prayed God to give the Commissioner the discerning spirit to know the good from the bad so as to live a foot print in the sand of time. The Permanent Secretary Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, the Special Assistant to the commissioner, Mr. Isaac Azigbo and Directors in the Ministry were present during the courtesy call.

SUBEB Chairman expresses govt. readiness for infrastructural improvement in schools

The State Government has expressed its readiness to ensure that infrastructures are improved upon in public primary schools to guarantee high academic performance among pupils. The Chairman,State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chief Pat Ejeteh stated this at an interactive session with Head Teachers and Staff' of Local Education Authorities and other stakeholders in public primary schools in Delta South Senatorial district. Chief Ejeteh said government was interested in making the primary education sector conducive for both pupils and teachers and advised teachers to redouble their commitment in imparting knowledge to students. The Board Chairman said the meeting was primarily meant to interact with head teachers, Local Education Authority Secretaries and other key officers in the primary school sector on their challenges and proper solutions to them. While commending teachers for the co-operation given to the Board, Chief Ejeteh urged head teachers to monitor the activities of teachers and pupils. The first and third members of the Board, Honorable Gibson Akporohen and Mrs. May Inije enjoined primary school teachers and Local Education Authorities to furnish the Board with suggestions that will move the schools forward. The State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT Comrade Michael Akusu and the State Chairman Conference of Primary School Head Teachers of' Nigeria COPSHON, Comrade John Oyibu commended Chief Ejeteh for the first interactive session and assured her of the maximum co-operation of the union. They urged the Board not to relent in ensuring that challenges in primary schools across the State are address.

Press Release October 2009

NOUN solicits support of DTSG to establish study centers

The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN has solicited the support of the State government in establishing study centers in the State. The institution made the appeal when its management led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jegede visited Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at Government House. Professor Jegede said support for study centers in the State had become necessary because of the wide acceptance of the University system of education in the State. The Vice Chancellor said the University was charged with the responsibility of developing open and distance learning centers in all parts of the country. He called for the construction of Permanent Study centers and assistance in equipping three temporary centers located in Asaba, Warri and Sapele. He also appealed to residents of the State irrespective of age and work status to take advantage of the institution to acquire university education. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan welcomed the presence of the National Open University in the State, stressing that the low percentage of students the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB could admit justified the establishment of the university. Dr. Uduaghan who promised that the State government would utilize the institution to improve the capacity of its workforce described education as important in the development of any nation and also an important tool in achieving the success of the amnesty programme. The Governor promised to support the National Open University in the State through the provision of study centers.

Six hundred million naira provided to reopen closed schools

An additional sum of six hundred million naira is required to accomplish the reopening of forty-two schools close down in some parts of the State. A membef the committee on the reopening of the schools, Honourable Kent Omatsone disclosed this while addressing the Finance Appropriation Committee of the State House of Assembly. Honourable Omatsone who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Ekeke and other members, said the eight hundred and sixty-two million naira project was no longer realistic. He explained that the additional amount would take care of the short fall, contract variations and consultancy. Honourable Omatsone said eighteen of the schools are located in the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, eighteen in the Ijaw area, two in Ughelli South two in Isoko South and two in Ndokwa East. He suggested a one-line vote to enable the committee easily access the funds. The Chairman, Fiance and Appropriation Committee of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Daniel Mayuku, said the State government was committed to reopening the schools within the shortest possible time and promised that his committee would appropriate the needed funds for the schools to come back on stream.Honourable Mayuku commended the Committee for the interest so far shown in the project.

Ministry of Education (Basic and Secondary) Asaba 2009 Junior School Certificate Examination Timetable         Date Subject/Paper Duration Time Monday 15th June Social Studies Christian Religious Studies Music 1 ½ hour 1 ½ hour 1 ½ hour ½ 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Tuesday 16th June Mathematics Physical & Health Education French 2 hours 1 ½ hour 1 ½ hour 9;00 am - 11:00 am 11:30 am - 1:00 pm 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Wednesday 17th June English Studies Business Studies (Theory) Business Studies (Alternative to Practical) 2 ¼ hours 1 ½ hour 1 hour 2 ¼ hours 1 ½ hour 1 hour Thursday 18th June Introductory Technology (Theory) Introductory (Practical) Local Languages 1 ½ hour 1 hour 3 hours 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Friday 19th June Agricultural Science Fine Art (Theory) Fine Art (Practical) Local Craft 1 ½ hour 1 ½ hour 1 hour 3 hours 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Monday 22nd June Integrated Science Home Economics (Theory) Home Economics (Practical) Nigerian Language (Igbo) 1 ½ hour 1 ½ hour 1 hour 1 ½ hour 9:00 am - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Note: Practical subject's instructions will be given out to schools one week before the examination ii. There will be no registration of candidates during the period of examination

PRESS RELEASE OF JUNE 2009

Uvoh-Gardner Charges Nigerian Authors to write books that promote African Values

Nigerian authors have been called upon to write textbooks that depict the cultural values of the society. The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Elizabeth Uvoh-Gardner gave this charge in Asaba when the State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors paid her a courtesy call in her office. Dr. Uvoh-Gardner stated that such books should inculcate in the youths the virtues of good conduct and those attributes that promote unity, brotherliness, patriotism, amongst others. She stated that the Ministry in recognition of the lapses in the reading culture especially at the primary schools level introduced the 3R's into the curriculum in both primary and basic schools in the State. The Commissioner assured the association that the Ministry would continue to assist groups that complement the efforts of the Ministry in the raising of standards in the schools and therefore solicited for their support. Dr. Uvoh-Gardner equally commanded the association for including programmes for children in their activities which she noted would encourage the youths to develop interest in literary works. She promised to look into their financial request with regards to the anniversary celebration coming up in September this year. Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of the association, Professor Sam Ukala said that the State Chapter came into existence in 2002 and ever since had recorded some modest achievements which had necessitated its plan to celebrate its existence. Professor Ukala who is the Provost of the Asaba Campus of Delta State University said that they would use the anniversary celebration to contribute their quota towards the full implementation of the first two points of the laudable 3 points Agenda of the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. He said that the theme of the anniversary is peace in the Niger Delta geared towards promoting a reading culture among the youths, cultivating writing skills among the youths, motivating them to propagate and consequently live by the cherished traditional values of Delta State. The Chairman, therefore, solicited for financial assistance from the Ministry to enable the association organizes a hitch free anniversary celebration.

PRESS RELEASE OF APRIL 24TH,2008 Nigerian youths have been called upon to engage themselves in meaningful activities that would promote growth and development in the society. The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh Gardner gave this advise yesterday in Asaba when she granted audience to the State Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria in her office. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner stated that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youths, who as leaders of tomorrow, have a stake in its growth and development and therefore implored them to always exhibit discipline and diligence in whatever they do. She advised them to strive to be well educated as without education no meaningful progress could be made hence government continued efforts provide the necessary environment for education to thrive. The Commissioner condemned the involvement of youths particularly students in cultism stressing that in the past, cult related activities were alien in the primary and secondary schools but today the reverse had been the case and warned those involved in the nefarious activities to desist forthwith  in their own interests. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner further stated that the mission and vision of the Peace Corps were very apt as they were in consonance with the efforts if the government to build a peaceful united nation and therefore called on the organization not to rest on its oars in the fight against all the vices in the school system. She also called on them to give the Ministry an up date of their activities on termly basis so that the Ministry would be in good stead to know what they were doing. On their requests, the Commissioner promised to look into them and asked the organization patient. Earlier in his speech which was read by the Information Officer of the Peace Corps, the Commandant, Captain Emurotu Oke said that the Corps was registered in Nigerian under the companies and allied matters Acts No.1 of 1990, Part C. Law of Federal republic of Nigeria. Captain Oke said that the vision and mission of the organization were to train, educate and re-orientate youths of the State in their future leadership role in the society in the act of nation building as well as become good citizens. He said that the Corps had started operation in 33 States including Delta State and therefore appealed to the Ministry to assist it with office accommodation, monthly stipends and an operation vehicle for its activities. PRESS RELEASE OF MARCH 4TH,2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh Gardner yesterday in Koko in Warri North Local Government Area inspected two school boats for children in fishing camps along the riverine areas of the State.  Inspecting the boats, Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner in company of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. lfeanyi Agbeyeke, the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Mrs. Agnes Esin and other senior staff of the Ministry complained about the state of the boats and asked the contracting firm to rectify all the defects noticed without further delay before their commissioning. She said that the Ministry was very eager to take control of the boats and put them into use for the benefit of children who had no access to formal education due to the absence of primary schools in the fishing camps. The Commissioner therefore pleaded with the contractor to make sure that all the defects noticed were properly rectified as soon as possible assuring that the Ministry would ensure that they are paid as soon as possible. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner and her entourage later visited the company's factory in Oghara where smaller engine boats that would be used to convey teachers and children to the school boats were being fabricated. In his remark, the Managing Director of the company, Engineer Reginald Onosode stated that all the defects noticed would be corrected as soon as the date for the commissioning was known stressing that the activities of vandals was responsible for the present conditions of the boats. He appealed to the Ministry to see that his firm was paid some money to enable him finish the job to the satisfaction of all. The Commissioner also visited Iwere College, Koko where she commended the school authority for the cleanliness of the school environment as well as the students. She implored the students to study very hard as that was the only way they could achieve greatness in life. PRESS RELEASE OF 19TH FEBRUARY,2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner has called on participants in the workshop on generation of test items for the 2008 Junior School Certificate Examination not to compromise standard nor lose sight of the ethics, integrity and credibility associated with the conduct of the examination. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner stated this yesterday at Asaba while declaring open a 6 day workshop on generation of test items said it is the bedrock on which the junior school certificate rests. She therefore charged them to ensure that the questions are valid, reliable, consistent and covers the three main areas of cognitive, psychomotor and effective segments of the examination. The Commissioner further stated that the policy thrust of the State Government was to improve standard of education in all its ramifications stressing that examinations were necessary means of assessment and therefore should not be narrowed in scope. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner commended the participants in previous exercises and urged the present participants not to relent as their input would go a long way to enhance quality of education in the State. Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Examinations and Standards in the Ministry, Mrs. Rosaline Edobor stated that each participant was expected to generate forty-five multiple-choice and ten essay questions in addition to preparation of the marking scheme. She therefore called on the participants to put in their best and ensure the success of the workshop. Participants who were mainly teachers were drawn from various subject areas across the State. PRESS RELEASE OF 7TH FEBRUARY ,2008 Any public school that fails to organize the annual inter-house sports during the school academic session will be made to refund the money collected for the exercise. This directive was given yesterday at Asaba by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner when she met with the executive members of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Delta State Chapter.  Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner stated that it was not right for Government to make funds available for inter-house meetings only for the schools' authorities not to use the money for the purpose for which it was collected warning that such heads would be sanctioned for such acts henceforth. She said that the Ministry would continue to reward athletes that excel in national and international competitions as a way to encourage and boost their morale. The Commissioner assured the delegation that the Ministry would do its utmost best to see that sports development in the schools would receive greater attention and therefore appealed to the members of the association to show more commitments towards the growth of sports in the State in particular and the nation in general.  On the introduction of sports levy at the primary school level, Mrs. Uvoh Gardner said that the Ministry would look into the issue critically before coming out with a decision taking into consideration the nine year basic, free and compulsory education for children. Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of the association, Sir John Okoh said that the Nigeria School Sports Federation was an affiliate of the International School Federation charged with the development, promotion and organization of sports involving school children in public and private primary and post - primary schools. Sir Okoh who is the Permanent Secretary, Post - Primary Education Board commended the Ministry for the steps taken over the past few years to improve on the standard of school sports in the State which had assisted the Federation in the modest achievements recorded so far and prayed that such supports should be sustained.  He, however, called on the Commissioner to approve the employment and posting of Physical and Health Education specialist teachers for the secondary schools, the field offices of the Ministry of Education and the Local Education Authorities, purchase of sports equipment for the schools, increase in the funding of school sports, provision of vehicle for school sports, sanction for erring schools that fail to organize annual inter-house sports and intra-mural sports programme, among other requests. PRESS RELEASE OF 7TH FEBRUARY ,2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner has asked the Education Secretaries of the Local Education Authorities in the State to sit up or get sanctioned. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner gave the warning yesterday at Asaba during a meeting with the Secretaries and the management of the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) on the constant friction between them and primary school teachers in the State. She stated that reports reaching her office showed that a lot of untoward activities had been going on in the field amongst which were the 2006 promotion of teachers without financial benefits, stagnation, non-payment of leave transport grant as and when due, illegal deductions from teachers salaries, backdating of employment of newly and illegally recruited teachers as well as the recruitment of teachers without authority. The Commissioner said those actions negated the policy of government and therefore warned those of them involved in such unpleasant acts to desist forthwith as the Ministry was ever ready to deal decisively with any of them found wanting. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner told them to see themselves as part of the Ministry of Education and work towards the improvement of education in their areas of authority as the future growth of the children was in their hands. She called for harmonious working relationship with the Chief Inspectors of Education as well as meet constantly with NUT and COPSHON leadership so as to be fully aware of the problems confronting their offices. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Secretary of Local Education Authority, Oshimili South Local Government Area, Mr. M.O. Osakwe told the Commissioner that the levy being collected from the teachers was authorized by the Board of Internal Revenue and not arbitrary collected as alleged by the teachers. Mr. Osakwe said that most of the allegations made against them were not true and attributed it to communication gap between them and the Conference of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (COPSHON) executives in the various local government areas promising that they would henceforth be meeting with them regularly so that they would be in a better position to know the problems confronting their offices. He commended the Commissioner for the meeting and assured her that they would continue to do their best to promote good education at the primary school level.  The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, the Special Assistants to the Commissioner, Mrs. Agnes Esin and Mr. Ifeanyi Okoh, Directors and representatives of NUT and COPSHON were present during the meeting.   PRESS RELEASE OF 5TH FEBRUARY,2008 The French Language Centre, Asaba has began the enrollment of people interested in the study of the French Language. In a statement issued today at Asaba by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke said that the programme is open to all categories of people including businessmen/women, politicians, civil servants, youth corpers, bankers, sportsmen/women, students and pupils in secondary and primary schools. Mr. Agbeyeke stated that registration for all classes is currently on and therefore advised those interested in the programme to contact the Co-ordinator, French Language Centre, opposite St. Patrick's College, Asaba for more details.  He also stated that the programme was for a period of six months during which time participants would be able to learn and speak French language fluently. PRESS RELEASE OF 5TH FEBRUARY,2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh-Gardner has directed the Principals of Urhobo College I and II Effurun to submit the names of all illegal occupants of staff quarters in the school to her office not later than Friday this week. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner gave the directive yesterday at Effurun when she paid an unscheduled visit to the school where on inquiry discovered that very many occupants of the staff quarters were retired staff, widows, staff on transfer and some that had left the unified teaching service to other employment many years ago. She stated that such situation was not acceptable especially when they were teaching staff in the school in dire need of accommodation and therefore advised the Principals to take directive seriously and act accordingly. At Ekpan Basic Primary and Secondary Schools, Ekpan, the Commissioner gave a nursing mother who is a wife of a security guard in the petrol tankers depot up till the end of February to relocate from the school premises as after that date, the Ministry would not hesitate to take appropriate action to eject her and other illegal occupants from the classrooms.  Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner implored the school management to bear with the state Government as efforts were being made to provide the school with some basic learning facilities as well as ejecting oil bunkerers who use the school compound to perpetuate their illegal business. The Commissioner was also at Esedo Primary School, Effurun where she inspected the classrooms and directed the contractor renovating the block of classrooms to go back to site and complete the job without further delay as the slow pace of work had affected academic work in the school. At Ohorhe Basic Secondary School, Ohorhe, Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner promised to reach out to the management of Uvwie Local Government Council so as to complete a block of classroom being constructed in the school by the local government council. The commissioner was also at Erejuwa II Secondary School, Ugbuwangue in Warri South Local Government Area where she promised to look into the acute shortage of accommodation facing the school coupled with the presence of students from Ode-Itsekiri using the school premises for their academic programmes. The Commissioner's last port of call was Delta Secondary School, Warri where she commended the school authority for the cleanliness of the School premises. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Mrs. Agnes Esin, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Venerable Josiah Nsaka, the Director of Inspectorate (Basic Education) Mrs. Julie Akinmoyewa, the Chief Inspector of Education, Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Area accompanied the Commissioner on the tour. PRESS RELEASE OF FEBRUARY 1ST, 2008   The closing time for government owned primary and secondary schools in Delta State has been extended by 30minutes with effect from Friday, 1st February, 2008.  This directive was given yesterday in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner when she met with stakeholders in the education sub-sector of the economy. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner stated that the extension was necessitated by the abysmal performances of pupils and students in their academic activities in the schools. She noted that pupils and students could hardly calculate simple arithmetic problems without consulting the calculator as their brains had not been exercised sufficiently to solve even simple mental calculations or read simple passages from textbooks or journals. The commissioner stated that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow this ugly trend to continue hence the need for all stake-holders to come together and find solutions to these nagging problems facing the education industry. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner said that the extension of the closing time would go a long way in solving this problem as the extra minutes per day would lead to generation of five additional periods per week which would be allotted in the time-table with one period for dictation and spelling, two periods for reading and two periods for mental arithmetic in the primary school whose closing time would be between 1.30 P.M. and 2.00 P.M. for junior primary (primaries 1 and 2) and senior primary (primaries 3 - 6) respectively. She said that at the secondary school level, there would be one period for dictation and spelling, two periods for reading, one period for writing and one period for mental arithmetic with the schools closing at 2.30 P.M. daily. The Commissioner also stated that the new subjects had been approved as examination subjects and therefore directed that results of the examinations should be collated and forwarded to her office through their respective Chief Inspectors of Education within three weeks from the end of each term. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner equally directed schools heads in both primary and secondary schools to provide mini or standard libraries in their schools or where this was not possible should provide reading rooms where pupils and students could go to read at their spare time. She used the forum to appeal to teachers and school heads to show more dedication in their duties in order to produce better pupils and students stressing that the government was not unmindful of the problems facing the schools and promised that the Ministry was determined to solve some of them in the very near future. In their separate reactions, the speakers commended the Commissioner for coming out with the innovation and promised to see that the directive was implemented in order to achieve the set goals. They also called on the Ministry to look into some of the nagging problems confronting the school system which had hindered the smooth running of the schools. These problems according to them included shortage of teaching staff, shortage of classrooms, shortage of science equipment and other teaching aids as well as non - implementation of government approvals to primary school teachers. PRESS RELEASE OF 29TH JANUARY, 2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner has commended the National Teachers' Institute, Kaduna for its efforts in exposing teachers through seminars in modern teaching techniques. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner gave the commendation yesterday at Asaba during the opening ceremony of a five day Master Trainers Workshop on effective methods of teaching the core subjects areas of English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Basic Sciences and Technology in Junior Secondary Schools for Teachers in the South - South geo-political zone. She stated that such exposures through seminars and workshops would place the teachers in better stead to impact meaningful knowledge to their pupils and students. The Commissioner further stated that it was expected that the participants at the workshop would thereafter train other teachers in the subject areas in the various states. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner therefore appealed to the workshop participants to take the workshop seriously so that they would be able to disseminate the knowledge acquired to others. In his own speech, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Teachers' Institute, Professor Patrick Onyekwere said that it was the policy thrust of the Institute to collaborate with all the State Governments through the Ministries of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Boards for the enhancement of the Knowledge and professional skills of teachers in the country. Professor Onyekwere who was represented by a Director in the Institute, Dr. D.O. Yaya said that the general objectives of the workshops were to update the knowledge and skills of teachers in the core subject areas, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences on modern teaching techniques, acquaint participants with relevant skills in school based assessment, amongst others. He then urged the participants to see themselves as harbingers of a better teaching force whose knowledge and skills would bring the quality of teaching in the schools to a greater height. Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator of N.T.I., Mr. Thomas Mba stated that each State in the geo-political zone was expected to nominate 40 experienced Master Trainers who were expected to re-train other teachers' in their various States and therefore implored the participants to be committed to the exercise so as to benefit from the laudable programme and pass the knowledge to others. He commended the State Ministry of Education and SUBEB for their logistic support which made it possible to host the workshop. Participants were drawn from Akwa - Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Edo, Rivers and Delta States. PRESS RELEASE OF 29TH JANUARY 2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh Gardner has appealed to the management of Baminco Limited to expedite action and see to the completion of the State Library Board Building Complex. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner made the appeal yesterday at Asaba when she paid an official visit to the project site of the Library Board Complex. She stated that she was aware of non - payment of job done so far and assured the company that the Ministry would do its utmost best to see that they were paid as soon as possible and therefore appealed to them not to slow down the pace of work but should intensify efforts to see that the job was completed without further delay. The Commissioner commended the company for the job done so far and prayed that the finishing should be of the same standard at completion. Welcoming the Commissioner and her entourage which included the Permanent Secretary, Higher Education, Barrister Andrew Elueche, Directors and the management staff of the State Library Board to the site, the Managing Director of the Company, Prince A.M. Oyebamiji expressed the company's gratitude to the State Government for the opportunity given to it for the construction of the edifice. Prince Oyebamiji stated that since the company mobilized to site, work had continued without stoppage despite the fact that they had not received any payment and therefore appealed to the commissioner to ensure that they were paid so as to complete the job on time. The comissioner and her entourage were later conducted round the site by the Project Manager of the company. PRESS RELEASE OF 24TH JANUARY, 2008 The State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh - Gardner has commended the Presidency for organizing the inter secondary school debate for students across the country. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner made the commendation while declaring the South - South Zonal competition of the inter secondary school debate in Asaba. The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke said that the competition would revive the declining reading habit among school children as well as rekindle the study and the mastery of English Language by them. She thanked the organizers of the programme for the opportunity given to Delta State to host the competition for the South - South Zone assuring' that the State Government will make their stay in the State a memorable one. Mrs. Uvoh - Gardner assured the organizers that the State Government would not relent in supporting programmes that would promote high academic standard and therefore urged the competitors to do their best so as to excel in the competition. Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Sam Ukala said that the topic for the debate was timely as it would help proffer solutions to some societal issues plaguing the nation. Professor Ukala who is the Provost of the Asaba Campus of Delta State University appealed to students at all levels to give priority attention to their academic work stressing that such competition was a way of developing the intellectual skills of youths. In his own speech, the Coordinator of the programme, Elder Dare Oritu said that the President's inter - school debate was aimed at improving the communication skills of Youths, promoting social integration and national unity as well as instilling the culture of dialogue and healthy rivalry among students. He stated that the programme had been held in North - Central, North - East, North - West and South - East Zones explaining that the final would take place in Abuja in April this year. In a keenly contested final match, Delta State beat Akwa - Ibom state by 66.3 to 63.0. Master Gabriel Mobuogwu of Delta State emerged the best debater while Master Tosin Ademolokun of  Akwa - Ibom State came second. The two contestants would represent the Zone in the final competition. Prizes were later presented to the competitors and officials by the representative of the Hon. Commissioner. PRESS RELEASE OF 3RD OCTOBER, 2007

The State Government is irrevocably committed to the development of school sports. This assurance was given yesterday in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Elizabeth Uvoh-Gardner during the opening ceremony of the 2007 annual general meeting of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Delta State Chapter. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner who was represented by the Director of Schools, Dr. Maureen Obi-Adakpor stated that in order to sustain this commitment, the State Government in 1994/95 academic session introduced sports levy as participatory approach for parents to become involved in fashioning the destiny of their children thereby contributing to the growth and development of the society through good education. She said that since then, the Ministry had been procuring and distributing sports equipment to schools in the various local government areas of the State. The Commissioner therefore appealed to the sports administrators in the schools to carry out their duties conscientiously as that was the only way to ensure the successful implementation of the education programmes at all levels of the school system. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner equally admonished the school authorities to judiciously utilize the sports levies towards the development of school sports warning that the Ministry would not tolerate the embezzlement of the levies. In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the Federation, Sir John Okoh said that the Nigeria School Sports Federation is the body responsible for the organization and development of all manner of sports programmes involving school children under the auspices of Federal and State Ministries of Education. Sir Okoh, who is the Permanent Secretary, Post Primary Education Board, stated that the meeting is an annual event for .sports technocrats and stake holders in the administration, organization and development of school sports stressing that through such meetings, the winning spree strategies of the State at national sports competitions were developed. While commending the State Government for its support in organizing and sponsoring the State contingent as well as the     procurement and distribution of sports equipment, the Chairman called on the government to do more in order to make more progress in sports development in the State. The Commissioner in the Directorate of Youths Development Revd. (Mrs.) Shola Williams through Mr. Abrah Agbogo and the Director of Sports, Mr. Victor Onogagamue delivered good will messages during the occasion. A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. Joseph Jero presented a key note address on "the use of non bona-fide pupils and students in school sports programme; its implications on the development of sports" at the meeting. Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education, Asaba.

PRESS RELEASE OF 29TH SEPTEMBER, 2007

The State Ministry of Education will look into the accommodation and other problems confronting the field offices of the Ministry in the various local government areas. This assurance was given yesterday in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh-Gardner when she met with the Chief Inspectors of Education (C.I.E.s) in the State. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner appealed to the officers to bear with the ministry as concerted efforts would be made to ensure that adequate office accommodation and other basic needs of their offices were put in place. On the composition of the committees for the local education authorities, the Commissioner assured them that the Chief Inspectors of Education would be made members so as to be in positions to make necessary in puts in the administration of primary schools. She advised them to take their work seriously as that was the way the Principal, staff, students and the general public would access the Ministry positively or other wise. Mrs.Uvoh—Gardner further admonished the officers to devise better method of writing their monthly and quarterly reports as the quality of most of the reports submitted to her office did not meet the required standard. In her speech, the Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Julie Young stated that the meeting was called for the Commissioner to know the field officers and know at first hand problems confronting them. from rented accommodations and therefore appealed to the commissioner to look into the problem. She equally pleaded with the Commissioner to provide them with official vehicles and their inclusion in the Committee of the Local Government Authority in the local government areas, amongst other demands. The Permanent Secretary, Mr, Ifeanyi Agbeyeke, Directors and some senior staff of the Ministry were present during the meeting. Signed: Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education, Asaba.

PRESS RELEASE OF 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2007

The State Ministry of Education' warehouse built at a cost of over twenty three million naira has been commissioned. Commissioning the project, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Uvoh-Gardner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ifeanyi Agbeyeke said that. the completion and commissioning of the project was a fulfillment of the Ministry's wish to have a warehouse of her own in compliance with the Federal Government directive to the States' Ministry of Education. Mrs. Uvoh-Gardner stated that the completion of the warehouse would put to an end the payment of rent in the hired warehouse in the town. She therefore directed that all the items in the hired apartment should be transferred to the new warehouse immediately while the ones meant for distribution to schools should be sent to such schools to decongest the warehouse. The highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the ceremonial tape by the representative of the Commissioner, Mr. Agbeyeke. Directors and other staff of the Ministry were present during the short but impressive ceremony. Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Education, Asaba.

Delta State of Nigeria