Low Turnout Recorded as Schools Resume Across Delta

Attendance remained low in many public primary and secondary schools across Delta State several days into the new academic term, raising concerns among education stakeholders despite the commencement of teaching activities.

Visits to schools in Warri, Effurun and Agbarho showed that many pupils and students were yet to return fully, leaving classrooms thinly populated. School officials linked the slow return to extended holiday stays, lack of preparation by parents and hesitation by learners over early-term routines such as environmental sanitation.

At Igbudu Primary School, Warri, Head Teacher Grace Ogbo said turnout had improved slightly following the introduction of compulsory resumption tests by the Delta State Ministry of Education. She noted that attendance rose to about 40 per cent, compared to previous terms when barely 10 per cent of pupils showed up during the first week.

Secondary school administrators warned that missing the early days of the term could affect learners’ academic progress. At Agbarho Grammar School, management confirmed that resumption tests were scheduled as directed, while observations at Urhobo College, Effurun, showed attendance picking up gradually as the week advanced.