Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared a state of emergency in public schools, saying the learning conditions are unacceptable.
The governor made this announcement on Tuesday after visiting some schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas, where he expressed disappointment over the poor state of facilities.
During his visit to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor, Okpebholo lamented the terrible conditions under which students were learning.
“I feel bad about the state of the schools I inspected today. The conditions are unacceptable for our children,” he said.
He noted that during his campaign, he promised to declare a state of emergency in schools that lacked modern facilities and a conducive learning environment.
“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.
The Edo Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, said the governor’s visit was to see the problems firsthand and ensure that all students have access to better facilities and quality teachers.
“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.
Iyamu added that the governor had directed officials to ensure that all children, including those physically challenged, receive quality education.
Earlier, Mrs. Mary Izewingie, the Vice Principal of Students’ Affairs at Evbareke Secondary School, told the governor that the school’s condition had remained the same since 2022, despite several complaints.
“We cried out for help, but nobody listened. Learning has been difficult for our students. We even tried to make repairs, but the rains ruined our efforts,” she said.
Okpebholo assured students and teachers that his administration would take immediate action to improve school facilities across the state.
