A good school environment is the foundation upon which successful learning is built. It’s the backbone of the growth and development of young minds, shaping their futures and empowering them to reach their full potential; BLESSING OKOLA writes.
Research has shown that a well-designed school environment can significantly improve student outcomes, boost academic achievement, and enhance overall well-being.
In Nigeria, however, many schools struggle to provide a conducive learning environment. Dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate resources are just a few of the challenges that students and teachers face daily.
By prioritizing the school environment and investing in education, the government can help build a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth. It’s time to recognize the power of a conducive school environment and take action to create learning spaces that inspire, motivate, and empower students to succeed.
The state of secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is alarming. Dilapidated and non-functional infrastructure is hindering academic performance and putting students’ futures at risk.
Despite the government’s responsibility to provide quality education, they have neglected these schools, prioritizing politics and contract awards over the welfare of students.
A visit to the Gaufata community in Gwagwalada Area Council revealed shocking conditions. The Paiko Junior Secondary School, for instance, has a completely removed roof, yet the area council chairman and local representatives appear to not be aware of the issue.
It is unacceptable that community leaders, including the area council chairman and councillor, who hail from these communities, have continued to ignore the plight of their own people.
Renovating the school building and replacing the roof should be a priority, but instead, they are submitting other projects to the council while turning a blind eye to the suffering of their constituents.
The neglect of these schools is a ticking time bomb, affecting not only the students but also the community at large. It is imperative that the government and local leaders take immediate action to address this issue and provide quality education to the students of FCT.
Blueprint weekend visit to the Junior Secondary School Gurfata in Ibwa Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja sees that the community school is on the verge of collapse, leaving over 60 pupils in a state of uncertainty.
The school’s dilapidated structure and fallen roofs have created a hazardous learning environment, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
In an interview with the school vice-principal (Admin), Mr. Nwachukwu Rowland, said the school has been plagued by years of neglect, resulting in a severe shortage of classrooms, furniture, and essential facilities.
Rowland said the pupils are exposed to harsh weather conditions, and the risk of accidents and injuries is high.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our pupils, urging the government to intervene urgently and provide the necessary support to renovate and upgrade the school infrastructure,” he said.
He noted that the Gurfata community is counting on the government’s prompt response to address the crisis and ensure that the pupils receive a quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
Also, the village Head of the community, Malam Adamu Pada, lamented the deplorable state of the school building, explaining that the roof has been removed for over six years.
He said despite efforts to reach out to the government for urgent intervention, nothing has been done. He shared that they have taken pictures to document the situation, but to no avail. As a result, during the rainy season, children are forced to stay back at home, while in the dry season, they are exposed to the harsh sun.
The village Head seeks urgent intervention from the government to come to the community’s aid and address the dire situation.
He also said the absence of classrooms in the school has forced students to embark on arduous journeys to neighboring villages in search of education. This perilous commute, often exceeding 10 kilometers, exposes children to various risks, including harassment and human rights violations.
He explained that the female students, in particular, face the threat of humiliation and harassment during their daily commute. Moreover, the lack of classrooms means that students are often forced to stay home during the rainy season, effectively denying them their right to education.
“The school’s deplorable state has also taken a toll on teachers, who lack basic facilities, including a staff room. Educational materials are frequently damaged due to the absence of a secure storage space, forcing teachers to seek alternative arrangements. This situation has led to widespread demoralization among educators,” he said.
“Despite numerous appeals to the government, including photographs documenting the school’s condition, no tangible action has been taken. The community remains hopeful that the authorities will intervene, particularly in light of the Minister’s announced plans to renovate schools.”
He noted, the renovation of this school is not only a pressing need but also a fundamental right of the students. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address this situation, ensuring that these students receive the education they deserve in a safe and conducive environment.
“The school’s leaking roofs, broken ceilings, and other structural deficiencies have driven teachers away, leaving the pupils without access to education.
The lack of maintenance has forced teachers to abandon their roles, leaving students without adequate learning opportunities.
The Gwagwalada Area Council, established to drive rural development, is now facing criticism for failing to fulfill this mandate.
The Community chief urged the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board to act swiftly to rehabilitate the school and ensure continued access to education for the affected pupils.
This urgent call for intervention emphasises the critical need for a sustainable plan to address the decay in educational infrastructure across rural Abuja communities.