Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared a State of Emergency on public schools across the state due to their deteriorating conditions.
During an inspection of schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor Local Government Areas within the Edo South Senatorial District, he expressed deep concern over the poor state of facilities in these urban schools.
The governor emphasized that Edo children deserve a conducive learning environment that will help them reach their full potential. He recalled his campaign promise to address the poor state of schools lacking modern amenities, reaffirming his commitment to immediate action.
During his visit to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor, Governor Okpebholo was dissatisfied with what he saw. He noted that some roads leading to these schools had been severely damaged by erosion, making access difficult for students.
Expressing his frustration, he stated that work would begin immediately to address pressing issues, including the lack of fencing at one of the schools and the erosion problem affecting the road leading to Army Day Secondary School. He stressed that providing quality education is essential for the future of Edo children.
Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, confirmed that the ministry had been informed about the difficult conditions faced by students. He explained that the governor’s visit was part of his hands-on approach to governance, ensuring that every child in Edo has access to quality education and well-equipped schools. He added that the administration is determined to improve school infrastructure, especially in urban areas where conditions have worsened.
State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) Chairman, Omonzane Ebanehita, acknowledged that Evbareke Secondary School lacks a suitable learning environment. She mentioned that the school had repeatedly requested government intervention, and she appreciated the governor’s visit as a step toward resolving the challenges.
Vice Principal of Students’ Affairs at Evbareke Secondary School, Mrs. Mary Izewingie, revealed that the school’s poor condition has remained unchanged since 2022, despite multiple pleas for assistance. She explained that even when the school staff attempted temporary repairs, heavy rains undid their efforts. She also noted that previous appeals to the past administration went unanswered.
