In spite of the Imo state government’s policy aimed at promoting free and qualitative education statewide, several schools in Owerri, the capital city, still lack basic amenities that make learning convenient. ABBA AMOS, who visited one of the public schools, reports.

GABRIEL sits fidgeting at his desk, trying to finish his class work before the break-time. The obvious cause of his discomfort is not the math problem he is struggling to solve but the sweltering heat in the decrepit, overcrowded classroom.

His eyes are glancing from his book to the door as he considers making a binary decision: Get fresh air outside, or remain in the classroom and bear the suffocating heat. He chooses the first option.

It is not unusual to find public schools in Imo State with infrastructural dysfunction that makes learning stressful for pupils.

The 12-year old JSS 1 student of Urban Development Secondary School in Owerri municipal, a public school owned by Imo State government, is obviously disturbed by the dilapidation of the school building, which makes sitting in the classroom unsafe for the students.

Most classrooms are close to be in ruin, and mostly without windows and doors. The roofs are caving in, begging for prompt rehabilitation.

There is no toilet, so pupils have to go to the bush near the school fence to relieve themselves whenever they are pressed.

“I was disappointed with the school when I first arrived,” he told The ICIR.

According to Gabriel, the youth corp members serving in the state donated plastic desks to the school, yet pupils were asked to pay N4,000 for it.

Gabriel’s classmates who spoke to The ICIR confirmed the extortion by the school management.

Notwithstanding, most students have limited option because the public education in Imo State is still deemed to be free.

Somehow, public school is still a relief to most parents who cannot afford to send their children to private schools.

READ MORE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/travails-of-owerri-children-in-public-schools/

A common scenario in states across the country.