Rotary Moves To Fill Library Gap In FCT Schools

Amid concerns over the shortage of functional libraries in public schools, the Rotary Club Abuja Gwarimpa has stepped in to equip Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa, with a refurbished reading facility.

The intervention highlights growing gaps in basic education infrastructure, where many schools operate without structured libraries despite rising enrolment.

The president of the club, Njideka Esther Kanu, said during the commissioning yesterday, that the project was informed by the poor state of reading facilities observed in the school.

According to her, books were previously scattered and the absence of a proper reading space made effective use difficult for students.

“What we met was not encouraging. Books were there, but no functional system to support reading. We decided to intervene to restore that structure and encourage learning,” she said.

Kanu added that the facility was designed to revive reading culture among students and improve academic outcomes.

Project chairman, Johnbossco, said broader participation by organisations is needed to address systemic challenges in the education sector.

“The importance of education cannot be overemphasised.

If others do what we have done, society will be better,” he said.

Principal of the school, Emenike Ayim Okoro, said the school had long struggled with managing available books due to lack of a proper library structure.

He noted that the new facility would significantly improve students’ access to learning materials and serve as a centre for academic development.

“The impact cannot be quantified. This will serve as a practical learning space where students can build knowledge beyond the classroom,” Okoro said.

Representing the chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Director of Junior Secondary Schools, Victor Orifa, said the intervention would have long-term benefits for successive batches of students.

He stressed that access to libraries remains critical, especially for students who cannot afford personal textbooks.

Also speaking, District Governor, Princess NKY Okoro, said the project aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting education and community development.