By Magnus Emuji
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Chief (Mrs.) Rose Ezewu, JP, has reiterated her ministry’s commitment to promoting programmes that encourage creativity, innovation and early skill acquisition among pupils in public primary schools.
Ezewu stated this in Asaba during the maiden edition of the public primary school cooking competition, describing the initiative as a deliberate effort to move learning beyond the classroom and nurture talents at the foundation level of education.
Represented by one of her aides, Mr. Mayor Ejiro, the commissioner said the objective of the competition was to develop the creative abilities of pupils and introduce innovation beyond conventional academic activities. She noted that education, in its real sense, goes beyond textbooks and examinations, stressing that practical engagements such as cooking help to nurture “the mind, the hands and the imagination of the child.”
According to her, the competition reflects a holistic approach to learning and aligns with the ministry’s vision of producing well-rounded learners equipped with both intellectual and vocational skills. She commended parents and guardians for their support, adding that education thrives better when school activities are complemented by effective involvement at home.
In her welcome address, the Director of Science Education, Mrs. Hope Igumbor, said the programme was designed to identify and encourage learners whose strengths may not lie solely in cognitive performance, which she described as the dominant focus of education in Africa.
Igumbor explained that the selected participants showcased their cooking talents, teamwork and curiosity in pursuit of excellence, noting that cooking should be seen not only as meal preparation but also as a viable career path. She stressed that education should not be limited to academic excellence alone but must also build vocational and practical talents in learners.
She disclosed that the best three pupils in the primary category were selected from a large pool of participants based on diligence and commitment, and expressed appreciation to the commissioner for making the competition possible.
At the end of the contest, New Era Primary School, Okpanam, emerged winner, while Ahabam Primary School and Uzoigwe Primary School, both in Asaba, took second and third positions respectively.
