Eyeforogi Primary School in Deplorable Condition as Collapsed Building, Teacher Shortage Raise Concern

Eyeforogi Primary School in Deplorable Condition as Collapsed Building, Teacher Shortage Raise Concern

A community advocate, Comrade Audu Hamza Sako Eyeforogi, has appealed to the Kwara State Government, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Edu Local Government Council to urgently intervene in the deplorable condition of LGEA Primary School, Eyeforogi, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Eyeforogi, Kwara State — The appeal follows an inspection visit to the school, during which several challenges affecting teaching and learning were observed, including a collapsed classroom block, a dangerous remaining structure, inadequate furniture, and a shortage of teachers.

According to Audu, one of the school's blocks, which contained three classrooms and two offices, has completely collapsed and has reportedly remained in that condition for more than six years. He said the school's headmaster, Mr. Alfa B. Mohammed, confirmed the situation during the visit.

He also expressed concern over the condition of the only remaining classroom block, describing it as unsafe for both pupils and teachers, particularly during rainfall. The building reportedly has a leaking roof and a weak structure, raising concerns about the safety of children and staff who use the facility.

School Buildings Have Suffered Years of Neglect

Audu stated that the collapsed block was last renovated in 2002 by Hon. Mohammed Baba Legbo Kolo, a former Vice Chairman of Edu Local Government, while the remaining block was reportedly renovated in 2011 by Hon. Alhassan Kolo Ndaba, a former Speaker of the Edu Local Government Council.

He lamented that the school had not undergone any renovation since 2011, according to the information provided, despite the deteriorating condition of its facilities.

The prolonged lack of renovation, he said, has contributed to the poor learning environment confronting pupils and teachers at the school.

Pupils Sit on Bare Floors as School Battles Teacher Shortage

Beyond the deteriorating buildings, Audu disclosed that the school lacks adequate furniture, forcing some pupils to sit on bare floors or use broken furniture during lessons.

He further revealed that the school has only four staff members, including the headmaster, to manage its educational activities. The shortage, he said, places additional pressure on the available personnel and raises concerns about the quality of teaching and learning.

Audu described the situation as disturbing, stressing that children in Eyeforogi deserve access to a safe and conducive learning environment like their counterparts in other communities.

Headmaster Reportedly Wrote Several Letters to SUBEB

The community advocate also alleged that the school's headmaster had written several official letters to the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board seeking intervention but had yet to receive a response.

The reported lack of feedback has heightened concerns over the prolonged condition of the school and the need for the relevant authorities to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

However, the account provided did not include a response from SUBEB or the Edu Local Government Council regarding the reported letters and the condition of the school.

Appeal to Kwara Government and Edu Council

Audu appealed to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of SUBEB; and the Executive Chairman of Edu Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Bello Ndamangoro, to urgently intervene.

He called for the renovation or reconstruction of the collapsed block, the rehabilitation of the remaining building, the provision of adequate classroom furniture, and the deployment of additional teachers to the school.

He emphasised that immediate intervention would help protect pupils and teachers from potential danger while improving access to quality basic education in the community.

“Education is the right of every child. Eyeforogi children should not learn under a collapsed and dangerous building,” Audu stated in his appeal.

He expressed confidence that the state government and relevant education authorities would consider the situation and take the necessary steps to address the challenges facing the school.

The appeal was signed by Comrade Audu Hamza Sako Eyeforogi, a former President of the National Association of Nupe, Baruten and Kaima Students (NUBAKA), Kwara State College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi.

The situation at LGEA Primary School, Eyeforogi, highlights the importance of sustained investment in basic education infrastructure, adequate staffing, and regular maintenance of public schools to ensure that children can learn in safe and supportive environments.