World Book Day: Delta State’s Commitment to Libraries, Book Clubs and the Impact of ‘Distortion’

By Precious Nwonu

It’s World Book Day! To celebrate, LightRay! Media had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, the Commissioner for Primary Education in Delta State. He shared his insights on the state of education in Delta State and beyond.

One of the highlights of our conversation was the approval of the book “Distortion” for use in secondary schools. Dr. Ashibogwu praised the book for its unique approach to storytelling, tackling important societal issues like discrimination, gender inequality, and mental health. “It’s more than just a novel – it’s an educational tool,” he emphasized.

Dr. Ashibogwu explained that the book was recommended for secondary schools and senior primary levels because it prepares students for real-world challenges. “As they grow and move into higher education, they’ll interact with diverse people and need to understand equality, respect, and the impact of their words on others.”

The ministry has a strict process for selecting books, novels, articles, and papers for instruction. To be approved, a book must align with the current curriculum, meet the needs of both students and teachers, and meet specific quality standards. “For example, ‘Distortion’ by Eijiro Umukoro meets all these requirements, making it suitable for schools,” Dr. Ashibogwu noted.

Dr. Ashibogwu also stressed the importance of libraries in the state. “There’s a strong need for libraries and reading clubs, not just in schools but also in homes.” He encouraged children to build their own libraries by collecting books beyond the recommended ones, which will improve their education.

Regarding out-of-school children, Delta State has made significant progress in reducing their numbers. While some children are still out of school, the state has worked hard to minimize the issue. “Compared to other states in the South-South region, Delta has the fewest out-of-school children,” Dr. Ashibogwu said.

The Delta State government is committed to providing quality education, and Dr. Ashibogwu praised the executive governor for prioritizing education. The goal is to ensure accessible and meaningful education for all, improving both public and private sector education.

The government aims to enhance physical infrastructure and mental capacity, ensuring both teachers and students benefit from a conducive educational atmosphere. Efforts to improve physical infrastructure include constructing and renovating classrooms across the state without discrimination.

Delta State has also embraced ICT-based learning, incorporating digital innovations to modernize its education system. The state aligns its educational policies with federal government guidelines to ensure nationwide educational advancement.

One significant shift is the proposed transition from the existing 9-3-4 system to the 12-4 system. This new structure aims to create a standardized national curriculum, eliminating the division between junior and senior secondary education while introducing a more holistic learning process.

The 12-4 system emphasizes vocational training, ensuring that students acquire at least two technical or entrepreneurial skills before completing their education. This approach aims to prepare students for employment opportunities, even if they choose not to pursue tertiary education.

By integrating early vocational and entrepreneurial learning, the system aligns with global trends, similar to countries like China. Recent recommendations from the National Council of Education suggest that the minimum age for tertiary education admission should be 16 years, down from the previously suggested 18 years.

The 12-4 system also seeks to reduce school dropout rates by providing students with practical skills and stronger academic foundations. A key focus of the new curriculum is enhancing STEM education, strengthening students’ understanding of science and technology.

The initiative recalls past educational practices where students were required to learn a trade, ensuring they graduate with practical skills. By reinforcing STEM subjects, the state hopes to improve technological literacy and problem-solving skills among students.

Dr. Ashibogwu emphasized the importance of embracing this new model to drive holistic improvements in education, ensuring students are well-equipped for both academic and professional success.