Mothercloud News

Abuja, Nigeria – Pupils in several primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are facing extreme learning conditions due to deteriorating infrastructure. Classrooms with crumbling roofs, missing windows, and a lack of basic amenities have left students vulnerable to the elements and struggling to focus on their education.

A visit to some government-owned primary schools in the FCT reveals a troubling picture. In some classrooms, broken wooden desks and chairs are scattered, while many students sit on the floor due to a shortage of furniture. The walls of some buildings are cracked, and in several cases, roofs have partially or fully collapsed, exposing children to harsh weather conditions.

“We have no windows, and when it rains, our books and uniforms get wet,” said Aisha, a primary six pupil. “Sometimes we have to stop learning because the water comes inside the classroom.”

Teachers at affected schools have expressed frustration over the lack of government intervention. Many have resorted to using personal funds to provide teaching materials, but the infrastructural decay continues to hinder effective learning.

“The government is aware of our situation, but nothing has been done,” lamented a teacher who preferred to remain anonymous. “We teach these children under conditions that make learning almost impossible. How can we expect them to perform well in exams when they can barely concentrate in class?”

Beyond poor infrastructure, many of these schools lack access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, further complicating the learning environment. In some cases, pupils are forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes due to a lack of functional toilets.

Parents and community leaders have repeatedly called on the authorities to intervene, but the response has been slow. Some have resorted to fundraising efforts in an attempt to rehabilitate school buildings on their own.

A spokesperson from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) in the FCT acknowledged the challenges but assured that plans were in place to address them. “We are aware of the situation and are working on strategies to rehabilitate schools with the most urgent needs. The government remains committed to improving education standards,” the official stated.

However, with no clear timeline for action, pupils in these schools continue to endure harsh conditions that threaten their right to quality education. As the new academic term progresses, concerned stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize funding for public primary schools, ensuring that children have a safe and conducive environment for learning.

Calls for Action

Education advocates and civil society organizations have joined the call for urgent intervention. They emphasize that without immediate action, the long-term impact on students’ academic performance and future prospects could be severe.

The deteriorating state of FCT primary schools underscores the broader challenge of inadequate education funding in Nigeria. For a country that aspires to improve literacy rates and human capital development, addressing these fundamental issues is crucial.

As the government deliberates on its next steps, one thing remains clear: no child should have to learn under conditions that threaten their safety and academic progress. The time to act is now.