The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the construction of modern classroom blocks for effective teaching and learning in LEA Primary School, Bagusa, FCT,
This development comes weeks after InvestigateNigeria earlier reported in October about the terrible condition in which students of LEA Primary learn.
The report highlighted how pupils face hard condition that makes learning difficult for the children in the school due to a lack of structure, facilities, and furniture.
The children study in a makeshift shed constructed with wood and zinc, without coverings on all sides, exposing the children to the harsh sun of Abuja and unanticipated rain.
The report also revealed that the school is situated near a dumpsite and pupils compete space with rodents, lizards and crawling creatures in the classroom.
While InvestigateNigeria reported that the state of the school illustrates the failure of Federal Capital Territory’s Universal Basic Education Board to implement its constitutional role of providing basic facilities that aid learning.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection exercise to the school on Thursday, November 23, the Mandate Secretary of Education of FCTA, Danlami Ihayyo, expressed sadness about the condition where the pupils learn.
He announced that the minister had approved the immediate construction of a block of four classrooms and the completion of another block of three classrooms which is presently under construction.
“We came for inspection of this school because we learnt that the school was established by the previous administration. After the establishment of the school, there was no single structure provided by the previous administration.
“So, it came to our notice when we saw a post in one of the newspapers. So, the Minister of the FCT directed us to come and inspect the school so that he would see how he could intervene so that the school will look very nice and the children will learn in a very conducive environment.”
He said the minister was greatly concerned about the condition of the school and the challenge it poses to the learning outcomes of the pupils, assuring the pupils that the FCT Administration would complete the existing structure under construction and construct additional classrooms for the school.
“We will work tirelessly to enhance infrastructure and ensure that no child’s education is compromised by inadequate facilities or unsafe conditions,” the mandate secretary said.
The Head Teacher of the School, Mr Alfred Katungu, expressed his excitement that the school has received the minister’s attention. He said the provision of classrooms would foster learning and increase the school population.
“I’m sincerely happy and I believe the intervention of FCTA would give the pupil a better chance and opportunity to access quality education,” he added.
