A disturbing report has emerged from LEA Primary School Angwandodo in Gwagwalada, where over 411 pupils are forced to learn in overcrowded classrooms without a single desk or chair.
Despite the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) allocating a staggering ₦177 billion to the education sector in the 2024 budget, the reality on the ground for these students is one of extreme neglect and hardship.
Investigation reveals that the school currently lacks an administrative block, leaving teachers with no designated workspace to prepare lessons or manage school affairs. The infrastructure is reportedly in a state of advanced decay, characterized by leaking roofs, broken floors, and a severe shortage of toilets, posing significant health and safety risks to both staff and students.
Budgetary Neglect and Infrastructure Decay
The contrast between the FCT’s fiscal allocations and the physical state of its schools has sparked public outrage. While the FCT Administration manages multi-billion naira budgets, the community of Angwandodo claims that government presence is virtually non-existent.
Critics have pointed out that the current administration appears to be prioritizing luxury housing projects for judicial officers over the fundamental right of children to a basic education.
The harsh learning conditions are not just a matter of discomfort; they are actively discouraging school attendance and undermining the literacy goals of the capital territory. Parents and advocates argue that sitting on cold, damp floors for hours daily is a violation of the children’s right to a conducive learning environment.
“The FCT Minister and relevant stakeholders must take urgent action to ensure that budgeted funds lead to real improvements. Every child deserves a safe and conducive learning environment; the government must be held accountable for ensuring public funds translate into tangible improvements,” stated in the report.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
As the 2024 fiscal year progresses, pressure is mounting on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, to address the disparity between budget figures and the reality in rural classrooms. The demand from the Angwandodo community is clear: a transparent audit of education spending and the immediate provision of furniture and structural repairs for LEA Primary School.
Without immediate intervention, the future of the 411 pupils at Angwandodo remains uncertain, as the lack of basic amenities continues to turn their place of learning into a site of struggle.
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