Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state during a broadcast to celebrate his fifth year in office, promised to focus on the renovation of public primary and secondary schools in the state.
From world bank, Owerri, Umuguma, and the entire 27 local government areas, it is the same tale of woes, neglect, and dilated structures staring at everyone including the managers of education sector in the state.
It is appalling to see classes totally devoid of chairs and desks for pupils and students even as teachers are not motivated to teach due to the unruly behaviour of the learners.
It is a common sight to see the classrooms leaking, roofs fallen off, cracked floors, absence of chairs and tables for pupils, students, and teachers, no sporting equipment, no borehole to provide water, insufficient staff, no toilets, no gates, outdated or peeled walls, and in some cases no boards or chalk/markers for writing.
Just recently, the President General of Amakohia autonomous community, Ikeduru in the Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, Goddie Ukwu lamented over the poor condition of the only government secondary school in their community and appealed for a face-lift.
According to him, it was painful that the only public secondary school for the community, Okpuala Community School was in ruins and negate the intent of mind building, and totally beyond repairs and needed an overhaul because it was at the verge of collapsing.
The story is the same across the state even at City Primary School right in the heart of Owerri and the famous Government College, the alma mater of many distinguished men including governors, senators, and captains of industries.
Beyond the construction of roads and infrastructure, governor Uzodimma must begin equipping public schools and help restore the intent of mind building from young age.
A school in Assa, Obile in the Ohaji Egbema local government area, in Egbelu Nguru in Ngor Okpala local government area or on Wethedral road in the heart of Owerri must all be properly equipped to provide education of the mind. There must be a conscious effort to make education attractive to children, it is the best and safest means to development.
