The Delta State Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has called for increased budgetary intervention in classroom furniture to accommodate rising enrolment in public schools.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Henry Ojerun Akambe, FCA, made the appeal on Wednesday after the ministry’s 2027 budget defence in Asaba, attributing the growing enrolment to parents withdrawing their children from private schools over rising fees.
He said the development had increased pressure on existing facilities, particularly classroom furniture, making additional provision for chairs and desks imperative.
Akambe commended the state government’s sustained investment in school infrastructure but stressed the need to complement renovated buildings with adequate furniture to enhance teaching and learning.
“It is not enough to have good structures, renovated and painted buildings without furniture. A beautiful house without furniture has no value,” he said.
He disclosed that the proposed 2027 budget ceilings were N10 billion for primary education and N12 billion for secondary education, reflecting adjustments across ministries, departments and agencies in line with available resources.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed concern over the proposed allocation for Early Childhood Development.
He, however, assured that the ministry would optimise available resources while continuing to advocate improved funding to strengthen public education, enhance learning conditions and accommodate rising enrolment across Delta State.
