In what has become an increasingly dangerous situation, schools across Kogi State are facing a severe infrastructural crisis, with many classrooms reportedly on the verge of collapse. This unsettling development has sparked widespread concern among parents, teachers, and community leaders, who fear for the safety of the students.
Recent reports and social media footage from local schools have shown broken roofs, cracked walls, sinking foundations, and classrooms that appear to be one rainfall away from disaster. Some students are forced to study under trees or in open spaces, as several buildings have been deemed unsafe.
Schools in Disrepair: A Daily Struggle for Learning
At LGEA Primary School in Adavi Local Government Area, students are seen sitting on the floor inside classrooms with visibly broken walls and leaking roofs. During rainfall, they are often evacuated to safer spaces to avoid injury from falling debris.
“We are always afraid when we send our children to school because the buildings could fall at any time,” said Mrs. Raliat Yusuf, a concerned parent. “We cannot continue like this. The government must take urgent action.”
Teachers are also struggling under these conditions. Many have resorted to conducting lessons outside the classroom, especially during the dry season, to keep students safe from the hazards of cracked ceilings and unstable walls.
“Sometimes we teach under the trees because we cannot trust the buildings,” said Mr. Samuel Adejo, a primary school teacher in Lokoja. “When it rains, we simply dismiss the students early to prevent accidents.”
Years of Neglect and Lack of Maintenance
The deteriorating state of classrooms in Kogi has been blamed on years of government neglect, poor maintenance, and inadequate investment in educational infrastructure. Many schools in rural areas, in particular, have received little to no renovation in decades.
A survey conducted by local journalists in Kogi Central and Kogi East revealed that some schools have not seen any form of maintenance since their establishment over 30 years ago. Basic facilities such as desks, toilets, and windows are either broken or completely absent.
According to Mr. Idris Onalo, an education rights advocate based in Lokoja, “This is not just an infrastructure problem; it is a human rights issue. Every child deserves to learn in a safe and dignified environment.”
Students Learning in Fear
The psychological impact on students cannot be overstated. Several students interviewed reported feeling anxious and distracted in class due to the fear of buildings collapsing on them.
“Whenever we are in class, we keep watching the ceiling because it can fall at any time,” said Blessing Ibrahim, a junior secondary school student. “Sometimes when the wind blows, the roof makes scary noises, and everyone starts to panic.”
Teachers explained that this constant fear has contributed to low student morale and reduced concentration levels, ultimately affecting academic performance.
Kogi State Government Responds
Following public outcry, the Kogi State Ministry of Education has acknowledged the severity of the issue and promised to address the crumbling school structures.
In a recent press briefing, the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, assured residents that the state government is actively working on a plan to rehabilitate affected schools.
“The government is aware of the infrastructural challenges, and we are in the process of allocating funds to renovate many of the dilapidated school buildings,” Mr. Jones said. “Safety is our priority, and we will begin phased renovations soon.”
However, many parents and community leaders remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises and slow responses to similar issues in the past.
NUT and Education Stakeholders Demand Urgent Intervention
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kogi State chapter, has joined the call for swift government intervention.
In a statement issued by Comrade Ranti Matthew, the NUT Chairman, the union warned that teachers may be forced to stop teaching in schools with unsafe structures if no action is taken immediately.
“We cannot continue to risk the lives of teachers and students,” Comrade Matthew stated. “If the government does not intervene within a reasonable timeframe, we may have no choice but to withdraw our members from hazardous school buildings.”
Education NGOs and civil society organizations have also called on the federal government to support Kogi State in revitalizing basic education infrastructure, especially in rural communities.
Broader Implications for Education Quality in Kogi
The crisis in Kogi schools is not just about safety—it also raises questions about the overall quality of education in the state.
Many affected schools lack not only proper buildings but also learning materials, functional libraries, and basic amenities like water and sanitation. These factors combined create an unconducive learning environment, pushing dropout rates higher and negatively affecting academic outcomes.
“When a child is worried about a roof collapsing, they cannot fully focus on learning,” explained Dr. Seyi Bakare, an education consultant. “Education is not just about curriculum delivery—it’s about providing a safe, inspiring space where learning can happen.”
Parents, Teachers, and Communities Unite for Change
Across the state, communities are beginning to mobilize, raising funds locally to patch up school buildings where possible, while pressing the government for urgent assistance.
Some community leaders have gone as far as writing open letters to the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, demanding swift action to prevent what they describe as “avoidable disasters waiting to happen.”
“We can no longer wait until tragedy strikes before we act,” said Chief Musa Otaru, a community elder in Kogi East. “The future of our children is at stake.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The situation in Kogi State is a stark reminder of the importance of investing in basic educational infrastructure. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that is not only conducive but also safe and dignified.
As the government prepares to release funds for school renovations, many are watching closely to see if the promises will translate into real action.
For now, the students, parents, and teachers of Kogi wait—hopeful, but cautious.
