Category: Education

  • FG distributes ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education

    FG distributes ICT equipment to 15 colleges of education

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening teacher education, advancing digital learning and expanding access to quality education through the distribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and instructional materials to 15 Colleges of Education across the country.

    The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Government of Japan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA), and the African Union.

    According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday, the intervention forms part of a regional project being implemented in six African countries to promote continuous, inclusive and safe access to quality education for girls.

    Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and national priorities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital transformation and the reduction of out-of-school children.

    She emphasised the critical role of teachers in driving education reforms and improving learning outcomes.

    The minister disclosed that the equipment distributed to the beneficiary institutions includes laptops, tablets, desktop computers, smart boards, projectors, printers and storage systems designed to strengthen digital teaching and learning.

    According to her, the intervention will also include capacity-building programmes to support ICT integration, inclusive teaching methods and school safety initiatives.

    Representatives of UNESCO-IICBA, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and the Embassy of Japan commended Nigeria’s efforts in advancing teacher development and girls’ education.

    They also pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving learning environments and expanding access to quality education across the country.

    The ministry urged the beneficiary institutions to ensure the effective utilisation and maintenance of the equipment to enhance teacher training and improve educational outcomes nationwide.

    The Federal Government said the intervention reflects its broader commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen education delivery and prepare learners for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

  • FGC Enugu Alumni begin N2bn Innovation Hub Project

    FGC Enugu Alumni begin N2bn Innovation Hub Project

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government College Enugu Old Students Association (FGCEOSA) has commenced the construction of a ₦2 billion Innovation Hub designed to equip students with digital skills and prepare them for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.

    The association disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the FGCEOSA Innovation Hub held at Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu.

    The event also featured the inauguration of a solar-powered borehole donated by the SON Eze Trust Foundation in partnership with the alumni association to improve water supply within the school.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Innovation Hub Planning Committee, Mr Odera Udutchay, described the project as a major milestone in the history of the institution.

    He said the hub would serve as a centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration and technological advancement for current and future generations of students.

    “The Innovation Hub represents our collective commitment as alumni to give back meaningfully to the institution that helped shape our lives,” Udutchay said.

    According to him, the project will cost about ₦2 billion, covering the construction of the facility, digital infrastructure, equipment and personnel required to operate the centre.

    He explained that the project would be implemented in phases over a two-year period, with the first phase comprising civil, mechanical and electrical works expected to be completed within one year.

    Also speaking, the President of FGCEOSA, Mr Nnadozie Eze, said the initiative was conceived in 2023 as the flagship legacy project of the association’s 50th anniversary celebration.

    Eze said the vision was to establish a world-class innovation centre that would prepare students for the future through technology, research, entrepreneurship, creativity and problem-solving.

    He noted that the facility would offer programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

    According to him, the hub is designed to transform students from consumers of technology into creators of solutions and opportunities.

    He added that the project aligns with the economic development aspirations of Enugu State and Nigeria by nurturing future innovators, software developers, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

    “The facility is conceived as a green building incorporating environmentally sustainable features that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental awareness,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Principal of the college, Mr Ezekiel Ogbuanya, described the project as a dream come true for the institution.

    Ogbuanya said the innovation hub would enhance the school’s capacity to participate effectively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations conducted by bodies such as WAEC and NECO.

    “I am confident that this project will be completed and will significantly improve the learning environment in the school, while the borehole will end water scarcity in the institution,” he said.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Dan Enimali, commended the alumni association for the initiative and urged other old students’ groups across the country to emulate the gesture.

    He assured the association of the ministry’s support for projects that contribute to educational development.

    The Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji, Igwe Chris Nnia, also praised the alumni association for supporting both the school and its host community through medical outreach programmes.

    He pledged the community’s support towards the successful completion of the project.

    Highlights of the event included a free medical outreach during which about 500 students, teachers and residents of the Ugwuaji community received treatment for various ailments, as well as the inauguration of the Alumni Secretariat within the school premises.

  • EFCC’s Olukoyede urges students to embrace integrity, discipline for future leadership

    EFCC’s Olukoyede urges students to embrace integrity, discipline for future leadership

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged students across Nigeria to cultivate integrity, discipline, honesty, and hard work as essential qualities for responsible leadership and national development.

    Olukoyede gave the charge during a sensitisation lecture organised for pupils of Loyola Jesuit Basic School who visited the EFCC Academy in Abuja on an educational excursion.

    Represented by the Head of the Media Academy Unit of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Chidimma Amanambu, the anti-graft agency boss urged the students to reject dishonesty, corruption, and criminal behaviour while striving for academic excellence and good moral conduct.

    “You are the future leaders. Be disciplined, truthful, original and hardworking. These values will make you responsible leaders that Nigeria will be proud of,” Olukoyede said.

    During the interactive session, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Angel O. Israel, delivered a lecture titled “Consequences of Crime and the Benefits of Good Morals.”

    The students were enlightened on the history, mandate, and operational activities of the EFCC, including the various financial and economic crimes investigated by the commission. They were also introduced to career opportunities within the agency and educated on the dangers and long-term consequences of engaging in criminal activities.

    The sensitisation programme formed part of the EFCC’s broader public enlightenment and preventive strategy aimed at promoting ethical values and discouraging corruption among young Nigerians.

    Speaking on behalf of the students and management of the school, the leader of the delegation, Ramat Joshua, expressed appreciation to the commission for what she described as an impactful and enlightening experience for the pupils.

    She commended the EFCC for exposing the students to practical lessons on integrity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.

  • May 27: A National Day of Shame — Oby Ezekwesili

    May 27: A National Day of Shame — Oby Ezekwesili

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Minister of Education and public policy advocate, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has issued a scathing warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, National Assembly, Governors’ Forum, and the wider Nigerian political class, urging them not to wish children a “Happy Children’s Day” without first acknowledging their failures.

    In a strongly worded statement released on May 27, 2026, Ezekwesili said the political class had forfeited the moral right to celebrate Nigerian children, citing decades of neglect, insecurity, and poor governance.

    “Do not dare wish our children ‘Happy Children’s Day’ today. If you must speak, then for once, speak the truth of your failures. Stand before Nigerians and confess that you have failed our children,” she declared.

    Ezekwesili demanded that the government account for public budgets that have failed to guarantee children’s safety in schools, quality education, healthcare, and social protection. She specifically called for transparency on the fate of abducted children, including the Chibok girls, the Kebbi schoolgirls, the Niger State students, and the recently kidnapped children in Oyo State.

    “Tell the parents of these children exactly what your government has done and not done in the days, weeks, months, and years since each abduction,” she said.

    She urged authorities to publish audited figures on out‑of‑school children, child stunting, learning poverty, and child mortality, alongside measurable commitments to improve conditions within the current fiscal year. Anything short of that, she argued, would desecrate Children’s Day and deepen the wounds of Nigerian children.

    Ezekwesili described May 27 not as a day of celebration but as a “National Day of Shame.” She highlighted grim statistics: 19 million Nigerian children — about 27% — are out of school, while 70% of 10‑year‑olds cannot read a simple sentence, reflecting a deep learning crisis. Millions of children face hunger, stunting, and preventable diseases due to poor healthcare and governance failures.

    She condemned the political class for prioritising luxury convoys, foreign medical trips, and pensions while children suffer. “A government that cannot protect its children has forfeited the right to celebrate them. A political class that has built its wealth on the broken backs of the poor has forfeited the right to address their children with affection,” she said.

    She listed recent and historic abductions, including 39 students and 7 teachers kidnapped in Oyo State on May 15, 2026; 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State in November 2025; 303 students and 12 teachers taken from Niger State in November 2025; and 287 students kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State, in March 2024. She also referenced the Chibok girls, with over 90 still missing 12 years after their abduction, as well as children killed in violent attacks across Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, and Oyo, and those displaced in slum demolitions like Makoko.

    Despite her harsh words for leaders, Ezekwesili offered encouragement to Nigerian children: “Some of us see you. The Nigeria you deserve is a country in which you are safe, educated, fed, healed, free to dream and work hard to be the best of anything you choose to become in this world. The shame of May 27, 2026, belongs not to you, but to those who have governed you into this tragic condition.”

    Oby’s frustration with Nigeria’s governance failures, particularly in education and child protection, reflects a broader demand for urgent reforms in security, education, healthcare, and social welfare. It adds to ongoing debates about Nigeria’s education crisis, child safety, and governance accountability, with Children’s Day 2026 being a stark reminder of the need for improved performance in children’s welfare.

    She concluded with a direct rebuke: “To President Tinubu and the rest of his ilk in Nigeria’s political class — be silent on this day. You have not earned the right to speak to our children today. Don’t you dare. Period.”

  • 16 students killed, scores injured in Kenya school dormitory fire

    16 students killed, scores injured in Kenya school dormitory fire

    NAKURU, Kenya (NPA) — At least 16 students have been confirmed dead while more than 70 others sustained injuries following a devastating fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya.

    The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when a dormitory at the school was engulfed by fire, trapping several students inside.

    Witnesses said the blaze reportedly broke out around 1:00 a.m., forcing many students to jump from balconies in desperate attempts to escape.

    Several survivors sustained fractures, burns, and soft tissue injuries during the incident.

    Parents and eyewitnesses alleged that blocked emergency exits and barred windows worsened the tragedy by limiting escape routes for students trapped inside the burning building.

    Emergency responders, including personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, rushed to the scene to assist with evacuation and rescue operations.

    The injured students were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gilgil and other nearby medical facilities for treatment, while psychosocial support teams were deployed to assist traumatised survivors and families.

    Following the incident, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, led a government delegation to the school to console grieving families and members of the school community.

    “We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the girls we lost in this painful incident and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” Murkomen said during the visit.

    The Interior Cabinet Secretary stated that the government would issue a comprehensive statement on the tragedy after preliminary investigations into the cause of the fire are concluded.

    Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, also visited the school alongside other senior government officials.

    President William Ruto mourned the victims, describing the incident as a “painful national tragedy” and assuring affected families of government support.

    Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

    The incident has once again raised concerns over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, particularly issues relating to poor infrastructure, inadequate emergency exits, and overcrowded dormitories.

    Kenya has witnessed several deadly school fire disasters over the years, including the 2001 Kyanguli Secondary School tragedy in which 67 students lost their lives.

    Safety experts and education advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of school safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.

  • Stakeholders urge new JAMB Registrar to prioritise fairness, innovation

    Stakeholders urge new JAMB Registrar to prioritise fairness, innovation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Education stakeholders have urged the newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Segun Aina, to improve fairness, inclusiveness, accessibility, and technological efficiency in the conduct of examinations across the country.

    The stakeholders spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following Aina’s appointment as registrar of the examination body.

    National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTA), Prof. Bonyface Odeh, described the appointment of the 39-year-old professor as a positive development, stressing that competence and qualification should take precedence over age.

    “A professor in Nigeria is a professor all over the world. If he is qualified to become a professor, then he is qualified to hold any public office entrusted to him,” Odeh said.

    He, however, urged the new registrar to address challenges associated with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, particularly the inadequate availability of computers in many secondary schools across the country.

    “We do not have computers in many secondary schools in Nigeria. A child who has never seen a computer before is expected to sit for a university admission examination using a computer. That is a serious challenge,” he stated.

    According to him, while the CBT policy remains commendable, schools must first be adequately equipped to ensure that students acquire basic digital literacy before participating in computer-based examinations.

    Odeh also called for more flexible policies for correcting candidates’ personal details, including names and ages, noting that genuine registration errors should not become barriers for students.

    “Nobody is above mistakes. If a child makes an error in spelling or arrangement of names, there should be a provision for correction,” he added.

    The PTA president further urged the Federal Government to ensure fairness and adherence to the federal character principle in appointments into key national institutions.

    He expressed optimism that Aina would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while introducing reforms capable of improving the examination system.

    Also speaking, education analyst, Mr Nathaniel Adamu, described the new registrar as well-positioned to drive innovation and modernise JAMB operations through technology-driven reforms.

    According to him, Aina’s background in technology and education would help improve service delivery and address technical glitches often experienced during examinations.

    “The young man is up and doing and, with the enthusiasm he has, he will make a positive impact,” Adamu said.

    He added that the registrar’s relatively young age could become an advantage in understanding the realities and digital challenges faced by candidates in modern examinations.

    “We now have a young person who will think the way young people are thinking and bring innovations that will make JAMB better than it has been,” he stated.

    Adamu also expressed confidence that the incoming registrar would deploy technology-based solutions to strengthen the credibility, efficiency, and transparency of the examination process.

    On his part, the Principal of Grace of God Schools, Mr Bassey Bassey, described the appointment of younger professionals into educational leadership positions as a progressive step capable of driving reforms within the sector.

    Bassey argued that competence, research capacity, and administrative ability should remain the key criteria for leadership appointments rather than age.

    He urged the new registrar to tackle persistent challenges affecting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), including insufficient CBT centres, long travel distances for candidates, and technical failures during examinations.

    According to him, stronger collaboration between government and private sector operators would improve facilities, speed up result processing, and create opportunities for more flexible examination schedules, including the possibility of biannual UTME examinations.

    The principal also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing younger individuals into strategic public offices, describing the move as necessary for national development.

    Another school administrator, Mr Enyi Michael of Maria Assumpta School, expressed confidence that younger leadership within JAMB would help address modern challenges facing examination bodies, particularly issues related to digital security and system management.

    He said the new registrar was expected to introduce reforms capable of correcting some of the irregularities and technical concerns experienced under the previous administration.

  • Peter Obi urges Nigerian children to read, dream big, embrace innovation

    Peter Obi urges Nigerian children to read, dream big, embrace innovation

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian children to remain hopeful, pursue knowledge, and embrace innovation as the nation marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

    In a heartfelt motivational letter on Tuesday, Obi encouraged children across the country to continue dreaming beyond their present realities while preparing themselves to become future leaders, innovators, scientists, and nation-builders.

    The former Anambra State governor, who is widely expected to emerge as the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 election, described Nigerian children as the “vibrant pulse” of the nation and the foundation upon which the country’s future rests.

    “As we honour you today, I reflect on the incredible talent, energy, and resilience you possess. You are not only the future of our nation but also its vibrant pulse in the present,” Obi stated.

    According to him, every Nigerian child carries enormous potential capable of competing globally if given access to quality education, healthcare, and the right opportunities.

    “Each time I look into the eyes of a child in Nigeria — whether in a classroom, a displaced persons camp in Benue, or on the streets of Lagos — I see unparalleled potential. I envision future scientists, tech visionaries, leaders, and builders who can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best if they have access to the right resources,” he said.

    Obi stressed that the true test of leadership lies in how a nation treats its children, lamenting the continued rise in the number of out-of-school children and the poor access to healthcare and security for many young Nigerians.

    He described it as unacceptable that basic education, healthcare, and safety were still treated as privileges rather than fundamental rights.

    “The true measure of a nation’s leadership lies in how it cares for its youngest members,” he said.

    The NDC chieftain argued that Nigeria’s transformation into a productive and globally competitive nation would only be possible through deliberate investments in human capital development, especially education and healthcare.

    According to him, neglecting children today amounts to mortgaging the future of the country.

    “Leaders, parents, and educators must acknowledge that the best investment a nation can make is in developing its human capital, particularly through foundational education and healthcare,” Obi stated.

    “Failing to invest in our children today is akin to borrowing from our future,” he added.

    Addressing children directly, Obi urged them to remain ambitious, intellectually curious, and technologically aware in an increasingly fast-changing global environment.

    “Always keep dreaming. Your current situation does not limit your potential,” he said.

    “Remain curious. Engage in reading, learning, and adopting new technologies. The world is evolving rapidly, and you have the intellect to lead that evolution.”

    He also encouraged Nigerian children to take pride in their identity, describing Nigerians as resilient, brilliant, and destined for greatness despite existing challenges.

    Obi further assured children that efforts toward building a “new Nigeria” would continue, promising a country where schools are safe, opportunities are accessible, and young people can pursue their dreams without fear or limitation.

    “We will continue our efforts to cultivate a new Nigeria — one where your dreams are recognised, schools are safe, and your future is assured,” he said.

  • Nwifuru reaffirms commitment to education transformation in Ebonyi

    Nwifuru reaffirms commitment to education transformation in Ebonyi

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector through massive infrastructure development, scholarships, and human capital investment across the state.

    In a statement personally signed and titled “Education Remains Our Priority” — accompanied by a video showcasing ongoing projects in schools — the governor said that infrastructure works across Ebonyi communities are steadily transforming learning environments for pupils and students.

    Nwifuru acknowledged that challenges still exist within the sector but assured residents that his administration would continue to implement sustained and progressive interventions aimed at strengthening education in the state.

    According to him, more than 39 model secondary schools with 22-classroom structures are currently under construction across Ebonyi State. He added that pilot primary schools and over 50 additional 12-classroom projects are also ongoing in different communities.

    “These are just a few of the numerous projects currently ongoing in various communities,” the governor stated.

    Nwifuru, who recently secured victory in the governorship primary election ahead of his second-term bid, stressed that his administration remains focused on building a stronger educational foundation for future generations.

    The governor has continued to receive commendation for his human capital development initiatives, particularly in education, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship under his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

    Among the major initiatives highlighted are fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships awarded to more than 700 Ebonyi indigenes in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    His administration has also upgraded facilities and increased funding for Ebonyi State University (EBSU), with academic staff reportedly receiving a 20 per cent salary increase, while non-academic staff received an additional 10 per cent increase.

    To promote academic excellence, the state government also introduced automatic employment opportunities and scholarships for first-class graduates of EBSU.

    Nwifuru is further credited with ongoing development projects at the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe, and the University of Aeronautics Engineering, which he described as institutions “springing up in measured quality.”

    The administration also introduced free transportation services for students travelling to and from universities using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to ease transportation challenges facing students in the state.

  • Tinubu appoints Professor Segun Aina as new JAMB Registrar

    Tinubu appoints Professor Segun Aina as new JAMB Registrar

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Is‑haq Oloyede, whose two‑term tenure ends on July 31, 2026.

    According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on May 21, 2026, Professor Aina’s appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to innovation and institutional reform in Nigeria’s education sector.

    Aina, who turns 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public‑sector transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

    Currently a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‑Ife, Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining early exposure to national admissions and data‑driven institutional processes. His background has since shaped his contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

    With over 15 years of post‑graduation experience, Aina has advised federal and state governments on digital transition, system design, and operational reform. At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and now makes history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.

    He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and several State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.

    Professor Aina is a member of multiple professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

    President Tinubu expressed confidence that Aina’s appointment will usher in a new era of technological innovation and operational excellence at JAMB, building on the achievements of his predecessor.

    “The President expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge, and practical insight into the operations of the Board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor,” the statement read.

    Analysts say the appointment marks a generational shift in leadership at one of Nigeria’s most pivotal educational institutions, signalling a renewed focus on digital transformation and transparency in national admissions management.

  • Ebonyi Governor lifts suspension of Oriuzor-Ezza school headteacher amid public outcry

    Ebonyi Governor lifts suspension of Oriuzor-Ezza school headteacher amid public outcry

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria — The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed the immediate lifting of the suspension reportedly placed on Mr Iloke Hyacinth of CPS Obulechi Umoru Oriuzor in Ezza North Local Government Area following widespread discussions on social media platforms.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media. According to the statement, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to the welfare of teachers, pupils and the continuous improvement of learning conditions across schools in the state.

    The government also stated that ongoing efforts are being made to strengthen educational infrastructure, particularly within the affected area.

    According to the statement, the state government is currently undertaking massive school building projects at Community Primary School Unwuigboke and Community Primary School Unwuezeali, both located in Oriuzor, as part of broader efforts to provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils.

    The government acknowledged that some communities across the state still face infrastructural challenges but assured residents that sustained efforts are ongoing to address the issues progressively.

    The statement further noted that while all developmental needs may not be met simultaneously, the administration remains focused on expanding access to quality education and improving public infrastructure across Ebonyi State.

    The government appreciated citizens and media organisations for their concern over developments in the education sector and reiterated its commitment to the well-being of residents and the delivery of quality education across the state.

    Recall that Community Primary Schools in Oriuzor, Ebonyi State, recently trended on social media after a viral video revealed the dire conditions under which pupils were learning. A video published by Ezza TV showed children studying in unfinished, poorly furnished classrooms with inadequate facilities. The footage highlighted crumbling walls, a lack of desks, and unsafe learning environments, drawing national attention to the neglect of the rural school.

    In response, the Ezza North Local Government Education Authority reportedly suspended the headteachers of the affected schools, alleging they had invited the content creator to film. The content creator denied the claim, insisting he documented the conditions independently after witnessing the plight of the children.

    The suspension letters circulated online, triggering public outrage. Many Nigerians criticised the government for punishing teachers instead of fixing the schools.