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As vandalism of school property in public schools across Abia State continues, education stakeholders, head teachers have lamented the theft of windows, roofing sheets, and other critical facilities that have left classrooms inhabitable and learning conditions abysmal.
During a monitoring and sensitization visit to schools by the Abia State Chapter of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), led by its president, Comrade Eugene Okonta, the team visited World Bank Model Primary School and Isieke Central School in Umuahia North Local Government Area, where they also distributed educational materials to pupils.
As this disheartening situation continues, teachers and administrators have expressed worry that burglars had broken into offices, carted away steel windows, and damaged roofing sheets, while youths playing football within the premises have further weakened school structures.
The education stakeholders also noted that these activities are undermining the learning environment.
Speaking to newsmen, the headmistress of World Bank Model Primary School, Comrade Queen Okoroafor, alongside other school leaders, emphasized that vandalism is making the schools unsafe and unattractive for teaching and learning.
On her part, the Education Secretary of Umuahia North Local Government Education Authority, Chief (Mrs) Florence Umezuruike (JP), confirmed that names of schools in dilapidated conditions have been submitted to the state government for urgent attention.
She revealed that renovation efforts were ongoing and assured that schools not yet captured, would soon benefit.
Umezuruike however, condemned the activities of vandals who recently broke into the headmistress’ office at World Bank Model Primary School after breaching a collapsed fence, stealing windows and other items.
Responding, the OYC president, Eugene Okonta, tasked pupils to embrace discipline and live by values that would make them responsible citizens.
He advised the children to be good ambassadors, avoid cultism, drugs, fighting, and examination malpractice, while respecting parents, teachers, and constituted authorities. Okonta emphasized the importance of prayer, hard work, and exemplary conduct, describing teachers as “moulders of society” who deserve respect.
He added that OYC’s sensitization visits were aimed at both motivating pupils and drawing government’s attention to pressing infrastructural challenges in schools. He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of pupils and the commitment of teachers during the visit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the schools appreciated the intervention of OYC, noting that the distribution of learning materials would boost the morale of learners. They also commended the effort as complementary to Governor Alex Otti’s educational programmes and the recent initiative by the governor’s wife to equip pupils with study materials.
The event underscores the impact of vandalism on public education in Abia State, revealing how community actions are threatening school infrastructure. At the same time, it highlights the role of civil society groups like OYC in complementing government efforts through advocacy, sensitization, and support to pupils, reflecting a growing trend of grassroots intervention in Nigeria’s education sector.
While speaking on behalf of her peers, a pupil, Emmanuela Obike, thanked OYC for the gesture and pledged that the pupils would make the best use of the items received.
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