Residents in the Bagusa area of Abuja erupted in joy as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration to reconstruct LEA Primary School, Bagusa.
The school gained attention when images surfaced of pupils sitting on the bare floor due to the absence of walls and chairs.
Situated under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), this school, serving around 200 pupils, boasted only six classrooms and a crèche, constructed by the community. However, these structures lacked walls, featuring only a zinc roof supported by wooden pillars.
Read also:Â Breaking: Amb. Desmond Akawor Resigns as Rivers PDP Chairman
Out of the six classes, only the crèche section had a cement floor, compelling students in other classes to learn while seated on the ground.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, FCTA, revealed Wike concern for the school’s condition during an inspection on Thursday.
To address the immediate and long-term challenges, the administration pledged to complete the construction of existing community-built classrooms and add new ones to the school. This initiative aims to facilitate a smooth transition for pupils from primary to junior secondary school on the same premises.
Hayyo emphasized that the construction would be executed with speed and efficiency to establish a conducive learning environment. FCTA expressed its commitment to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Universal Basic Education Board, for counterpart funding to expedite the construction process.
To protect the school land, Hayyo urged community members to stay clear, highlighting that the school, established by a previous administration, hadn’t seen any structural development since its inception.
The deplorable state of the school was brought to the minister’s attention through media coverage, prompting an immediate inspection and action.
The mandate secretary outlined plans to transform the school into a modern facility, accommodating both primary and junior secondary schools at the same location.
Read also:Â Police in Akure Invite Chef Dammy Following Alleged Petition
He assured that efforts would be relentless in addressing the underlying issues leading to the unacceptable situation, vowing to enhance infrastructure to prevent compromising any child’s education due to inadequate facilities or unsafe conditions.
The school’s pioneer Head Teacher, Mr. Chebawaza Katungu, expressed delight at the prompt intervention, foreseeing a safer and more suitable learning environment for quality teaching and learning.
Chief of Bagusa Community, Mr. Zakka Iyah, extended gratitude to FCT Minister Wike, pledging the community’s cooperation once construction commenced.
