The condition of collapsed roofs/cracked walls of Eke central school Anaku and other schools in Ayamelum put the life of pupils in those schools in danger.

It’s shameful that such dilapidated structures would be seen in a local government headquarters of Ayamelum LGA, such incidents have become frequent due to buildings becoming old and lacking repair and maintenance with their condition eventually becoming completely dilapidated.

In fact, the situation is worrisome looking at how our children and younger ones are learning in an overcrowded classroom of 80 to 100 pupils due to lack or shortage of learning infrastructure such as classrooms.

Another migrant school sited at Ekenedilichukwu (Austin) farm settlement at Anaku have been abandoned by teachers and pupils, forcing them into a small alternative building

A healthy learning environment in schools is only possible when students and teachers are provided with adequate facilities, not only related to teaching and learning, but also safe and sound infrastructure. Weaker structures due to aging and lack of maintenance are some of the reasons why incidents happen such as the recent roof collapse in government primary schools of Ayamelum LGA.

There is growing evidence from across the globe that the condition of school infrastructure has a strong impact on learning outcomes of students. Considering that the learning outcomes in Nigeria are below par according to the World Bank report on ‘Student Learning in West Africa’, there is an even greater need of addressing the infrastructural challenges in our schools.

It is also disturbing to note that despite the efforts of the present regime led by His Excellency Governor Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) government in Anambra State and Ayamelum L.G.A, Primary Schools in Anambra state are still running with buildings partially or critically damaged.

It is high time government carry out total reconstruction of Eke central school Anaku and other schools in the area so that children can have a safe and sound learning environment where they can focus on their studies rather than cracked roofs and walls.

It is expected that the commissioner for education and Anambra State government would utilise the funds allocated for maintenance/reconstruction of schools buildings in the upcoming fiscal year and address this grave situation on priority.

O J. Udemezue