By Christopher Sunday
voxnews.com
Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah, a passionate advocate for grassroots development and youth empowerment, has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of public primary and secondary schools in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State. He described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable, calling on the state government and elected representatives to urgently intervene and save the future of children in the area.
Hon. Ogah noted that schools across Ibaji are in a sorry state, with many having collapsed roofs, broken walls, and insufficient desks and chairs. He lamented that some schools operate without proper classrooms, forcing pupils to learn under trees or in makeshift structures vulnerable to weather conditions. “What we see in Ibaji is educational neglect at its worst,” he stated.
He further expressed deep frustration over the acute shortage of qualified teachers in the area. According to him, most schools in Ibaji are struggling with staff strength, with some operating with only one or two teachers managing all classes. This, he said, has negatively impacted the quality of education and demoralized both learners and teachers alike.
Hon. Ogah emphasized that Ibaji, being a flood-prone area, suffers even more during the rainy season as schools are either submerged or converted into emergency shelters for displaced residents. This leads to months-long academic disruptions, with little to no plan for recovery. He called for proactive planning by the government to provide elevated, flood-resilient school structures that can withstand the environmental realities of the region.
He also highlighted the poor welfare of teachers in the LGA, many of whom are owed arrears and are yet to be confirmed after years of service. He said it is disheartening that individuals who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds are being treated with such disregard. “If we want the best from our teachers, we must give them the best in return,” he added.
Hon. Ogah urged political office holders representing Ibaji at all levels—particularly the State House of Assembly member, local government officials, and federal lawmakers—to rise above party lines and focus on the core issues affecting the people. “We must start seeing education as the backbone of our development, not just a line item in political manifestos.”
He called for an immediate declaration of an education emergency in Ibaji LGA, starting with the rehabilitation of all dilapidated school buildings, the deployment of qualified teachers, and the provision of teaching and learning materials. He also advocated for community involvement in school monitoring and management to ensure sustainability and transparency.
Hon. Mark Okpanachi Ogah concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the people of Ibaji and to the transformation of the educational sector. “Our children in Ibaji deserve the same opportunities as those in Lokoja or Abuja. Education must be made accessible, functional, and dignified. If we ignore this call, we risk breeding a generation left behind,” he warned.
Thank you for your timely and passionate call drawing attention to the deteriorating state of our public primary and secondary schools in Ibaji Local Government Area. Your concern reflects a deep commitment to the future of our children and the overall development of our community.
Education remains the bedrock of sustainable growth, and the current condition of our schools is indeed a matter of urgent concern. It is imperative that we collectively act—government agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders—to restore dignity to our educational institutions.
Your voice adds weight to this cause, and I fully support the call for immediate intervention. Together, we must advocate for increased funding, proper infrastructure, and the welfare of teachers to ensure that every child in Ibaji has access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.