Inside FCT school, without doors, windows

The pupils at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in the Jigakuchi community, Dutse ward, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, are learning under deplorable conditions, Daily Trust gathered. Our reporter, who visited the community on Monday, observed that two blocks of three classrooms are in a state of collapse, posing a threat to […]

The pupils at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in the Jigakuchi community, Dutse ward, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, are learning under deplorable conditions, Daily Trust gathered.

Our reporter, who visited the community on Monday, observed that two blocks of three classrooms are in a state of collapse, posing a threat to the students.

Teachers and pupils had closed for the day when our reporter arrived, only a security guard was seen seated under a tree.

It was observed that the roofs of the two blocks had been partially blown off by windstorms, while the ceilings have caved in. Only a few desks were visible inside the classrooms; the security guard noted that pupils in Primary 1 to 3 mostly sit on the bare floor to take lessons.

Community concerns

Ayuba Emmanuel, a member of the community, said that since the school was built years ago, no renovations have been carried out.

He pointed out deep cracks in the walls and lamented that the government has yet to intervene, making the environment unconducive for both teachers and pupils.

“As you can see, the entire classroom blocks are in a deplorable state, which continues to pose a serious threat to the lives of our children,” he said.

Ishaya Barnabas, a parent and secretary of the school’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA), also complained about the deteriorating conditions. He noted that the situation worsens during the rainy season, when pupils are often stranded due to heavy leaks.

“During the rainy season, the children have to go home because the roofs leak so badly; there is nowhere for them to sit,” Barnabas said.

He added that the PTA had written several letters through the headmaster to the council authorities, but no action has been taken.

According to Barnabas, officials from the works department of the LEA visited and took photographs of the classrooms over a year ago, but they have not returned.

A class teacher and native of the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the lack of infrastructure is a major hurdle.

“Apart from the dilapidated classrooms, there are not enough chairs or desks. Some pupils sit on the bare floor. Even as a teacher, I often sit on the window sill because there are no chairs,” he said.

He added that despite having a total number of over 223 pupils from Primary 1 to 6, the lack of functional furniture has crippled the learning process.

A community leader, Mr. Zachius Danlami, emphasised that these children are the “future of tomorrow” and deserve a conducive environment.

He appealed to the council authorities to liaise with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to renovate the blocks immediately.

When contacted via telephone, an official from the council’s works department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the council chairman, John Gabaya, has directed the LEA secretary to submit a formal report so that the council can intervene and renovate the classrooms.