THE Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has promised to henceforth pay the salaries of workers and teaching staff of the Delta Steel Company, DSC, and the Technical High School.
The Governor who also expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the school infrastructure said the Tehcnical school is now a shadow of its former self and promised to assist in putting some measure of infrastructure in place to give it a new lease of life.
He however expressed deep regret that that the school can not be taken over from its original owner.
The Governor made these promises at the Technical High School during an inspection of facilities at the school, saying that because of the high priority he accords education in the state, he is determined to bring the school to its former high standards it is known for.
Governor Uduaghan who commended the principal and staff of the school for their dedication to duties in spite of not being paid since 2011 said their commitment is next to none in the state.
He disclosed that negotiation is on top gear with Access Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to fashion the way forward for the Steel Company so as to get the company back on stream noted that he is very emotional about the DSC Technical School because of it high level performance of its students in academics across the country and internationally.
In her brief remarks, principal of the school, Mrs. May-Rose Ojukwu appealed to Governor Uduaghan for the provision of more classrooms and hostel blocks for accommodation, even as they lack staff accommodation due to dispute over ownership of the DSC estate.
She revealed that they do not have salaries as they generate funds with which they get some stipend for their upkeep and maintenance of the school facilities, saying that the school has produced important personalities forNigeriaincluding the designer of the ATM system and communication mast amongst others.
Responding, Governor said “the state government would provide a grant to assist the DSC workers and staff of the School to serves as salary with effect from January 2013 till the status of the DSC is determined and he will continue to give this grant till the end of his tenure as Governor of the state” and charged the teachers to remain dedicated to their duties with the hope that that problems would soon be over”, adding that their efforts at keeping the school going is being appreciated by God and every well meaning Nigerians.
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