About 330 students of Gurfata Junior Secondary School in Ibwa Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory are reportedly unable to access a safe learning environment as the school building deteriorates, sparking an urgent appeal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Federal Government.
The school, according to concerns raised by residents, is in a state of disrepair, with sections of its roofs reportedly caved in and walls badly damaged. The school is also said to be severely short of essential learning materials.
The deteriorating condition has reportedly forced some parents to keep their children away from school, with some taking them along to farms instead.
“We see no reason for them to go and sit under the rain or under scorching sun in the name of learning,” concerned residents said.
The situation has triggered frustration among parents and members of the Ibwa community, who fear that prolonged closure or non-attendance could further undermine the children’s education and future prospects.
Residents questioned how the Federal Capital Territory can promote access to quality education while children in communities such as Ibwa are left without a functional school environment.
“Education for All” remains a national aspiration, but residents argue that the children of Ibwa Ward are effectively being excluded from that promise by the condition of their school.
They are therefore calling on Wike, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately, renovate the school and provide the facilities and learning materials required to restore normal academic activities.
The community’s appeal is straightforward, save Gurfata Junior Secondary School and give the 330 affected students a safe place to learn before their education and future are further disrupted.
