FCT School Facilities Decried as Trespassers Convert Classrooms to Toilets and Shelters

With primary and secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) set to resume classes in less than a week, parents and community leaders in Dei- Dei, located in the Bwari Area Council, have sounded an alarm regarding the severe decline in the condition of a local public basic school. Investigations by Abuja Metro indicate that out of approximately eight classroom blocks at the community school, only two remain suitable for educational purposes. The other six have been occupied by trespassers, who have converted them into facilities for open defecation and as temporary shelters.

Established in 1975, the school was once a prominent educational institution that produced many distinguished individuals from within and beyond the community. However, residents lament its current state of neglect and disrepair.

The village head, Malam Saidu Hamza Sani, who was himself an early student at the school, described the current situation as deeply distressing. He recalled that the school previously catered to students from neighbouring communities such as Dape, Zhibi, Dakwa, Mai-Uke, Tungan-Kwasau, Tungan-Galadima, Bakusa, and Saburi, before the establishment of new schools in those areas.

Sani further highlighted that the unused classrooms are now frequently used for defecation, serve as sleeping quarters, and are often frequented by drug users. He also pointed out that the school's infrastructure has suffered from vandalism, with doors, windows, and roofing sheets being removed.

In an effort to combat these issues, the community has formed a task force responsible for enforcing discipline. Individuals found defecating within the school premises are required to undertake clean-up duties.

Abdulaziz Ilyasu, a former student, reminisced about a time when the school underwent regular renovations during holiday periods, with upgraded facilities ready for students upon their return. He noted that the current scarcity of functional classrooms has resulted in significant overcrowding, forcing numerous students to sit on the bare floor during lessons.

"It's also common to see some teachers leaving before the official closing time because managing such a large number of students simultaneously becomes very difficult," he stated.

Ilyasu also revealed that a library built by a non-governmental organisation remains unused due to a lack of books. Additionally, a borehole that was installed by a foreign aid agency is no longer operational after its pumping machine was stolen by vandals.

The Chairman of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), Ibrahim Dangaladima, shared that officials from the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) visited the school approximately a year ago. They had promised to undertake renovations, including the reconstruction of parts of the collapsed perimeter fence.

"However, over a year has passed, and no action has been taken," he commented.

He further noted that the problem is exacerbated by the approaching rainy season, as leaky roofs are already impacting student attendance.

Upon inquiry, the Chairman of FCT-UBEB, Dr Sulaiman Hassan, confirmed that the school has been included in the ongoing renovation projects for public schools across the territory. However, he did not provide a specific timeframe for when the work would commence.