Transforming Education in Delta State: The Impact of the 12-4 System and ‘Distortion’

In a bid to push back the boundaries of ignorance and illiteracy while increasing the frontiers of knowledge, the Delta State Government has deemed it fit to invest maximally in its educational sector, through the establishment of worthwhile educational legacies. This was made clear in a recent interview by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, when he brought to bare the state’s efforts in providing quality education to Deltans under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

Highlighting the importance of creating a conducive environment for learners and teachers alike, he said, “First and foremost, we want to create an enabling environment for our learners to learn, for our teachers to also teach, and in creating this enabling environment, it has to do with providing both the physical infrastructure and the mental capacity for both our teachers and the learners as well”.

Dr. Ashibuogwu noted the state government’s adoption of technology, stating that “the use of ICT in teaching and learning is one of the innovations we have in Delta State.” He emphasized the need for change in the curriculum to fortify the educational sector.

“The 12-4 system is an educational policy that we want to imbibe in the national curriculum on education. Before, we were using the 6-3-3-4 system of education, but now, the basic 12-4 year system wants to achieve a process whereby we eliminate the junior secondary school and senior secondary school structure, giving room to a standardized national curriculum,” he explained.

The commissioner highlighted the benefits of the 12-4 system, including reducing dropout rates, emphasizing digital and STEM education, and providing students with practical skills.

In order for the ministry of education in Delta State to achieve its educational vision, Dr Ashibuogwu describes the approach. “We’re not just focusing on theoretical knowledge; we’re also providing practical skills through vocational training,” he explained.

The state government has adopted the 12-4 system, which eliminates the junior and senior secondary school structure, providing a standardized national curriculum.

“This new system will not only reduce dropout rates but also emphasize digital and STEM education, preparing students for a rapidly changing world,” Dr. Ashibuogwu noted.

On Reading Culture, Quality Literature and Book Clubs

The commissioner also emphasized the importance of libraries and reading clubs, citing ‘Distortion’, a novel approved by the ministry of education as a literature of study for students written by international multi-award winning investigative journalist, Ejiro Umukoro. According to Dr. Ashibogwu, “I encourage students to read ‘Distortion’, a mental health true crime novel that fosters empathy, understanding, and resilience.

In addition, he noted that the novel ‘Distortion’ has the potency of fostering love for reading in students. “Encouraging students to read Distortion is more than just an academic exercise; it is a call to action. The novel invites readers to engage with pressing social issues,” he said.

Dr. Ashibuogwu further revealed that the novel discusses the effects of child abuse, bullying and discrimination, empowering students to challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and societal prejudices. “The book empowers students to challenge stigma, encourage open conversations about mental health and societal prejudices, while making a catalyst for change,” he said.

By introducing “Distortion” as a important literature of study, the Delta State Government Ministry of Education is paving the way for a more informed and compassionate society. As Dr. Ashibuogwu noted, “Education is the best legacy,” and the state government’s efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on generations to come.”

Dr. Ashibuogwu also highlighted the importance of libraries and reading clubs in the state, noting that they serve as reservoirs of knowledge, fostering a culture of reading that is essential for educational growth. “The earlier we instill the value of libraries in our children, the better for our educational system,” he pointed out.

By prioritizing education and promoting a culture of reading, the Delta State Government is paving the way for a more informed, compassionate, and empowered society.

Revolutionizing Education in Delta State: A Promising Step Forward

The Delta State Government’s decision to adopt the 12-4 system and incorporate “Distortion” as compulsory literature marks a significant departure from traditional educational approaches in Nigeria. By emphasizing critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness, the state is acknowledging the need for a more holistic and inclusive education system.

The inclusion of “Distortion” as compulsory reading is particularly noteworthy. This bestselling novel tackles complex social issues, encouraging students to engage with pressing concerns and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. By reading “Distortion”, students will gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and social responsibility.

Moreover, the novel’s focus on mental health, bullying, and social stigma will help students develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by their peers and communities. This, in turn, will foster a more compassionate and supportive learning environment, where students feel empowered to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

While this initiative is a promising step forward, its success will depend on effective implementation, adequate resources, and a commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that education is a complex and multifaceted issue, and that this initiative is just one part of a broader effort to address the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.

Nonetheless, Delta State’s willingness to innovate and experiment with new approaches to education is a welcome development, and one that deserves attention and support from stakeholders across the country. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is clear that business-as-usual approaches to education will no longer suffice. Delta State’s initiative offers a glimpse of a more dynamic and responsive education system, one that is better equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.