‘School Is Not a Scam’ – DESOPADEC Warns Delta Students

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has warned students across Delta State against embracing the trending but misleading narrative that “school is a scam,” insisting that education remains the bedrock of personal and societal development.

The warning was delivered during an enlightenment outreach to Orogun Grammar School in Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, as part of the Commission’s ongoing youth reorientation campaign.

Addressing the students, the Head of Department, Community Development and Public Enlightenment (CD&PE), Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, represented by Mrs. Etume Okeoghene, stressed that the “school is a scam” slogan is dangerous and capable of derailing the future of young people.

She said DESOPADEC remains committed to countering negative ideologies and redirecting youths toward productive and meaningful pursuits through sustained engagement in schools across its mandate areas.

According to her, education provides structure, discipline, exposure and opportunity, adding that no society can achieve sustainable development without an educated population.

DESOPADEC School is not a scam campaign

A major highlight of the programme was a debate session where students argued both for and against the controversial phrase. The exercise encouraged critical thinking while reinforcing the Commission’s position that abandoning education would have grave consequences for individuals and communities.

Participants who distinguished themselves in the debate were rewarded with gift items as encouragement for academic excellence.

Speakers at the event also cautioned students against drug abuse, cultism, prostitution, internet fraud and other social vices, describing them as destructive paths often fueled by the misconception that formal education is irrelevant.

They emphasized that shortcuts to success often lead to long-term setbacks, urging the students to remain focused on their studies and personal development.

The outreach forms part of DESOPADEC’s broader strategy to promote education, discourage youth restiveness and strengthen human capital development across Delta’s oil-producing communities.

School authorities commended the Commission for selecting Orogun Grammar School for the sensitization programme and expressed optimism that the campaign would positively influence the students.

The event further underscores DESOPADEC’s resolve to sustain grassroots advocacy aimed at shaping responsible, educated and future-ready youths in Delta State.