A socio-accountability organisation, MonitNG, has raised the alarm over the condition of the Ngodo Central School, Umuologhu, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The organisation, in a statement, noted that the condition “is a harsh reminder that rural education continues to suffer despite grand policy declarations. As the only primary school in the area, its deterioration is both shocking and unacceptable.”
“What remains of the classrooms are crumbling walls, broken ceiling boards, and exposed roofs. There are no chairs or tables; students are forced to sit on bare floors or perch on broken window ledges just to take lessons. This is the reality of learning for young children in 2025,” the statement read.
It was further noted that despite repeated appeals from the community, no meaningful intervention had been made.
“The physical condition of the school makes it unsafe and demoralising for both students and teachers. It reflects a broader failure to deliver basic educational infrastructure where it’s needed most.”
It was recalled that as part of its education reform, the Abia State Government announced a ₦120billion allocation for the 2025 fiscal year.
“This includes plans to rebuild over 200 model schools, improve teachers’ welfare, and provide incentives to attract top educators. An additional ₦29.5billion was earmarked to construct perimeter fencing in 262 public schools to improve security.”
While lauding the commitment of the governor, it was noted that schools like “Ngodo Central remain forgotten.”
“If this is the only school serving the children of Umuologhu, why has it been left in ruins? True reform must go beyond announcements. The government must ensure that its promises translate into real, visible change, especially in rural communities where education is the only hope for a better future,” the statement added.
A check by SaharaReporters shows that in February 2025, the Abia State governor, on his official X handle, announced the launch of the “Abia Fostering Innovation Reform School Transformation (AbiaFIRST) Education Transformation Programme.”
It was noted that “the initiative is not merely about improving school infrastructure but represents a complete institutional reform.”
“The AbiaFIRST Education Transformation Programme is a cornerstone of our strategic governance agenda, aimed at the rapid socioeconomic development of Abia State. The programme focuses on the development of school infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers on new trends, recruitment of quality educators, curriculum upgrades to accommodate emerging knowledge, and addressing the malaise of examination malpractices by inculcating diligence and fair competition in our children, among other key issues.”
“For the 2025 fiscal year, we have allocated ₦120 billion for various education projects, including rebuilding over 200 model schools, enhancing teachers’ welfare, and introducing new incentives to attract top educators. We are also doubling the number of teachers to be recruited this year to meet our ambitious goals and the rise in enrollment figures in our public schools,” the statement by the governor had read.
