UBADAWAKI SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL: Three Communities Reject Proposed Relocation, Cite Insecurity, Flood Risks

UBADAWAKI SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL: Three Communities Reject Proposed Relocation, Cite Insecurity, Flood Risks

Residents of the Gabi, Tswan, and Nagu communities in Ubadawaki Ward, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, have opposed the proposed relocation of academic activities at Ubadawaki Senior Secondary School to another location, citing security concerns, potential flooding, and inadequate facilities.

A disagreement has emerged among communities in Ubadawaki Ward over the appropriate location for academic activities at Ubadawaki Senior Secondary School, with residents of three communities appealing to the Kwara State Ministry of Education to intervene and prevent what they describe as a premature relocation.

According to information gathered by NupekoTV, Ubadawaki Senior Secondary School was approved by the Kwara State Government to serve four communities: Gabi, Nagu, Tswan and Tsonzami.

The school reportedly has a population of more than 300 students and approximately 40 teaching and non-teaching staff members.

However, concerns have arisen over the proposed relocation of the school from its current temporary site at Tako Gabi to another location on the outskirts of Lafiagi.

Three Communities Disagree With Proposed Permanent Site

Information gathered by NupekoTV indicates that the communities of Gabi, Tswan and Nagu do not agree with the proposed permanent site being considered for the relocation of the senior secondary school.

The three communities maintain that the location they recognise as the school's permanent site is Tako Gabi Nursing and Primary School, where Ubadawaki Junior Secondary School is also located.

They argue that the alternative location on the outskirts of Lafiagi, which is reportedly being considered for the relocation of academic activities, has not received their agreement.

The disagreement has reportedly created tension among the communities, with concerns that school staff and students are being pressured to relocate before the issues surrounding the proposed location have been resolved.

While the three communities favour the continuation of academic activities at the current temporary site until the necessary arrangements are made, the Tsonzami community reportedly holds a different position and supports moving the senior secondary school's activities to the alternative site.

The disagreement has raised questions about consultation, community consent and the need for a mutually acceptable arrangement for the school.

One of the major reasons given by residents of Gabi, Tswan and Nagu for opposing the proposed relocation is the security situation around the alternative site.

According to information obtained by NupekoTV, the location is in an open area outside Lafiagi, a situation residents fear could expose students and staff to security risks.

Its proximity to the Egwa River has also raised concerns about possible flooding, particularly during the rainy season.

Community members believe these issues should be thoroughly assessed before any decision is taken to move hundreds of students and dozens of staff members to the location.

They argue that the safety and welfare of students and school personnel must be prioritised in any decision concerning the school's future.

Beyond security and environmental concerns, residents have also questioned whether the facilities available at the alternative site are sufficient for the school's needs.

According to information gathered by NupekoTV, the site reportedly has only three classrooms and no staff room.

Community members have expressed concern over how a school with more than 300 students and approximately 40 teaching and non-teaching staff members could function effectively under such conditions.

A community member, speaking on the issue, questioned the suitability of the proposed location.

"With a population of over 300 students and 40 teaching and non-teaching staff members, how can the site be conducive for them?" the resident asked.

The resident argued that relocating the school without first providing adequate infrastructure could create additional challenges for both students and teachers.

The communities opposing the proposed relocation insist that moving the school should not be treated as a decision to be implemented without adequate consultation, planning and assessment.

They maintain that any relocation should be guided by the school's population, the availability of facilities, security considerations and the environmental conditions around the proposed location.

According to one community member, the relocation process requires proper planning rather than decisions being made without sufficient consideration of the people directly affected.

The resident stressed that the future of the school should be determined through consultations involving the relevant authorities, school management and the communities the institution was established to serve.

The communities further maintain that the existence of a proposed permanent site should not automatically justify moving academic activities there before the necessary facilities and safety measures are put in place.

The residents of Gabi, Tswan and Nagu have appealed to the Kwara State Ministry of Education to intervene in the disagreement and ensure that their concerns are properly addressed.

They are urging the ministry not to put pressure on school staff and students to relocate to the disputed alternative site until adequate arrangements have been made.

The residents maintain that the school should continue operating at its current temporary location at Tako Gabi for now, pending further consultations and improvements to the proposed alternative site.

They are also calling for dialogue among the four communities to prevent the disagreement from disrupting academic activities or affecting students' access to education.

The disagreement over Ubadawaki Senior Secondary School highlights the importance of community consultation, adequate infrastructure and security considerations in decisions affecting educational institutions.

While the development of permanent school facilities remains important, residents of Gabi, Tswan and Nagu argue that any relocation must be preceded by proper planning and measures to ensure the safety and comfort of students and staff.

They are hopeful that the Kwara State Ministry of Education will intervene, listen to the concerns of the affected communities and facilitate an arrangement that promotes uninterrupted learning in a safe and conducive environment.

NupekoTV will continue to monitor the situation and report further developments.