Oborevwori Identifies Poor Data Collection as Major Obstacle to Quality Education at 84th JCCE Plenary ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

 

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has lamented the absence of robust data collection and analysis in Nigeria’s education sector, describing it as a major barrier to delivering quality education across the country.

 

Speaking through his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the opening of the 84th Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) Plenary Meeting hosted by Delta State in Asaba on Monday, August 4, 2025, the Governor said effective teaching and learning outcomes are largely impossible without a sound data-driven foundation.

 

He emphasized that achieving quality education depends on the availability of accurate data, which is essential for informed decision-making, teacher effectiveness, innovation in education, and overall improved learning outcomes.

 

Governor Oborevwori tasked participants at the meeting to generate actionable policy recommendations that will elevate Nigeria to greater heights in academic excellence, equity, and socio-economic advancement.

 

He praised the theme of the plenary, “Quality Education Data and Professionalization of Teaching: A Tool for Enhanced National Development,” describing it as timely and reflective of a national consensus that the lack of data remains a critical weakness in nearly every sector of Nigeria’s economy.

 

“Data helps government, educators, school administrators, and regulators to monitor trends, interrogate assumptions, and identify gaps whether in infrastructure or teacher development,” the Governor stated.

 

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to educational excellence, Oborevwori said: “Our policy thrust in the education sector is to provide the highest quality of education in a safe and supportive environment. We are equipping our students with the tools they need to become global leaders.”

 

He added that with strong emphasis on science, vocational, and technical education, his government is focused on leveraging technology to provide high-quality, tailored learning that prepares Delta’s children for the global marketplace.

 

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by the Permanent Secretary and JCCE Chair, Mr. Abel Enitan, echoed the importance of data and professionalism in teaching. 

He maintained that education is the backbone of any progressive society, and enhancing data-driven policymaking and teacher professionalism will significantly improve human capital development.

 

Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Steering Committee, said Delta’s hosting of the important national meeting reflects the state’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape.

 

Highpoints of the opening ceremony included the unveiling of the Delta State Roadmap on Technical Education (2026–2030) and an inspiring talk show performance by students of Government Model Secondary School and Model Technical College, Asaba.

 

The event was attended by prominent stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Steering Committee and Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu; Commissioners for Secondary and Technical Education, Mrs. Rosemary Ezewu and Mr. Smart Ufoh; Commissioner for Humanitarian Support Services, Orode Uduaghan; Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji; representatives of the Teachers Registration Council, National Teachers’ Institute, Nigeria Union of Teachers, SUBEB, PPEB Chairmen Hon. Samuel Mariere and Dr. Emmanuel Tibi; and Permanent Secretaries from participating states.

 

The four-day plenary session will conclude on Friday, August 8, 2025, with the issuance of a communique outlining strategies to advance quality education data and the professionalization of teaching in Nigeria.