Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared a state of emergency on public schools across the state, citing their deplorable conditions as unacceptable.
During an inspection tour of some schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, the governor expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of facilities in urban schools, emphasising that Edo children deserve a better learning environment.
“I feel very bad about the situation of the schools I inspected today. Look at the type of schools our children are attending; it is not acceptable at all,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
He reaffirmed his campaign promise to prioritize education and immediately begin renovations, starting with Evbareke Secondary School in Egor and Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha.
Governor Okpebholo announced that rehabilitation work would commence immediately, particularly in areas with pressing challenges.
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“The school has no fence, and the road leading to Army Day Secondary School has been washed off by erosion. We must give Edo children quality education to prepare them for the future,” he said.
He also noted that Boundary Road, off Lucky Way, which leads to Temboga, has been cut off by erosion, making it difficult for students to access their schools.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, revealed that the ministry had been informed about the harsh conditions students faced.
He commended the governor for personally inspecting the schools to understand the challenges and take action.
“The governor is here on practical governance to show Edo people they deserve the best. With the kind of leadership Edo now has, things will change,” Iyamu assured.
Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Omonzane Ebanehita, acknowledged that Evbareke Secondary School lacked a conducive learning environment and confirmed that several letters had been written to previous administrations without response.
Vice Principal of Students’ Affairs, Mary Izewingie, lamented that since 2022, the school had been in disrepair despite multiple appeals for intervention.
“We even carried out palliative repairs ourselves, but the rains destroyed our efforts. We approached the Obaseki-led administration, but they never responded,” she stated.
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With the governor’s declaration and immediate intervention, Edo public schools are set for a long-overdue transformation, ensuring better facilities, safer environments, and improved learning conditions for students across the state.
