A report by a civic accountability group, Monitoring Initiative for Transparency in Governance (MonITNG), has revealed the worsening condition of LEA Primary School, Gasakpa 1, in Gawu Ward, Abaji, in the Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a result of government neglect.
In the report released on Thursday, MonITNG revealed that the condition of the school has deteriorated to an unimaginable state, posing grave safety risks to pupils and teachers using the completely crumbling classrooms.
“At LEA Primary School Gasakpa 1, Gawu Ward, Abaji Area Council, FCT Abuja, the condition of learning has deteriorated beyond imagination,” the report stated.
“The school, which consists of a block of two buildings with three classrooms each, has become a symbol of government neglect and infrastructural decay. The roofs are leaking, the walls are crumbling, and bats have taken over the classrooms.”
According to the report, the environment has become uninhabitable for learning.
“The stench and poor ventilation make it impossible for pupils to breathe comfortably. In some cases, snakes and other reptiles seek refuge inside the classrooms, posing serious health and safety risks to both pupils and teachers,” the report noted.
Due to the damage, all pupils are reportedly packed into a single classroom.
“All the children are now packed into one classroom, struggling to learn in an overcrowded and unsafe environment,” MonITNG lamented.
The report added that the problem extends beyond Gasakpa 1, saying that “most primary schools across Abaji Area Council are in equally deplorable states, with collapsed roofs, broken desks, and classrooms overrun by weeds.”
Despite repeated complaints from residents and civil society organisations, MonITNG accused local and federal authorities of ignoring the plight of the children.
“Despite repeated calls from residents and civil society organizations, the local council chairman, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, have turned a deaf ear to the educational needs of children in these rural communities,” the report stated.
MonITNG criticised what it described as misplaced priorities in public spending.
“Ironically, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) recently announced the release of N141 billion to 27 states and the FCT for the rehabilitation and upgrading of schools in satellite and underserved communities.
“Yet, there’s little to show for this funding in Abaji, where children continue to learn under dangerous conditions.”
MonITNG faulted the FCT administration for investing in luxury projects rather than basic education.
“Instead of prioritising the education and safety of pupils, the FCT Minister has chosen to invest heavily in projects that add no direct value to rural education.
“For example, N39 billion was allocated for the renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, a decision that highlights the misplaced priorities of leadership.”
MonITNG called on authorities to act immediately, saying, “We are calling on Hon. Minister Nyesom Wike, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and the Chairman of Abaji Area Council to urgently intervene and ensure that every public primary school in Abaji is rehabilitated. Education should be a right, not a privilege.”
MonITNG stated, “The continued neglect of these schools undermines the future of children who deserve a safe and conducive environment to learn.
“The funds meant for school rehabilitation must be properly utilised to restore dignity, safety, and hope to pupils in the Abaji Area Council.”
