Governor declares state of emergency in Nigerian state’s public schools

EDO, Nigeria (MNTV)- Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared a state of emergency within the state’s public school system, citing the “bad state” of educational facilities. 

The declaration followed an inspection tour of schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas, during which the governor expressed deep dissatisfaction with the learning environments he witnessed, reports The Vanguard, Nigeria.

During visits to Army Day Secondary School and Evbareke Secondary School, Governor Okpebholo condemned the “unacceptable” conditions, emphasizing that Edo children deserve better learning environments. 

He highlighted the absence of basic infrastructure, including fences, and the severe erosion impacting access roads, particularly at Army Day Secondary School. “I feel bad about the state of the schools I inspected today. The conditions are unacceptable for our children,” he stated.

The governor pledged immediate action, ordering that work commence at the inspected schools the following day. He further emphasized his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises by addressing the state of emergency in schools lacking modern facilities.

Edo Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, reinforced the governor’s commitment, stating that the inspection tour aimed to provide firsthand insight into the students’ challenges. He stressed the government’s dedication to ensuring all Edo children, including those with disabilities, have access to quality education.

Officials at Evbareke Secondary School detailed the persistent challenges faced by the institution, revealing that conditions had remained unchanged since 2022 despite repeated complaints. Governor Okpebholo’s declaration signals a decisive move to address the systemic issues plaguing Edo’s public education sector.