In light of the dire conditions of the state’s public schools, Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday proclaimed a state of emergency in all of them.
Along with government representatives, Okpebholo visited schools in the state’s Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas, where he bemoaned the concerning situation of urban schools.
The governor voiced his dissatisfaction with the condition of the schools he had toured, stressing that for Edo children to reach their full potential, they needed a better learning environment.
He pointed out that he had pledged during his campaign to proclaim a state of emergency at all of the state’s schools that lacked up-to-date infrastructure and a comfortable learning environment.
During his visits to Evbareke Secondary School in Egor and Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha, Okpebholo voiced his displeasure with the learning environment for the pupils.
“I feel bad about the state of the schools I inspected today. The conditions are unacceptable for our children.”
“When campaigning, I promised to declare a state of emergency in Edo schools. I will start from Evbareke Secondary School and Army Day Secondary School.”
“From tomorrow, work will begin at these schools. These schools have no fence, and erosion has washed away the road leading to Army Day secondary school.”
“The road to Army Day Secondary School, Boundary Road, leads to Temboga. It’s in a very poor state, affecting our children’s access to education,” he added.
Edo Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, said the governor’s visit was to see the students’ plight firsthand to ensure every child in Edo had access to quality structures and teachers at school.
“The governor is here to understand the difficulties of the students and help find solutions. He’s committed to practical governance to show Edo people that they deserve better,” he said.
“The governor has ordered us to ensure that all Edo children, including those physically challenged, have access to quality education. With the governor’s leadership, change will come,” Iyamu said.
Mrs. Mary Izewingie, the vice principal of students’ affairs at Evbareke Secondary School, had earlier informed the governor that, in spite of multiple grievances, nothing had changed since 2022.
She claims that we called out for assistance, but no one paid attention. It has been challenging for our students to learn. Even our attempts at repairs were thwarted by the rain.
