What should have been a routine educational outreach in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom turned into a disturbing discovery of the state of public primary education in one of Plateau State’s rural communities.
When members of the National Association of Rigwe Students (NARS) visited LEA Primary School Ngbra Zongo and LEA Primary School Chinke to distribute exercise books and writing materials under the theme, “Grooming Leaders, One Book at a Time,” they found more than pupils in need of school supplies. They found schools struggling to survive.
Schools That Barely Stand
At LEA Primary School Ngbra Zongo, the school building tells its own story. Large cracks run through the mud walls. Sections of the roof have collapsed, exposing the structure to the weather. The damaged building raises serious questions about the safety of children and teachers who use the facility daily.
The condition of the building also suggests years of neglect, with little or no major rehabilitation despite serving children from the surrounding community.
One Classroom, Six Classes
Beyond the physical decay lies an even deeper crisis.
According to observations made during the outreach, pupils from Primary One to Primary Six are reportedly taught together in one classroom because there are not enough teachers.
Education experts say such an arrangement makes effective teaching almost impossible. A teacher cannot adequately teach six different lesson plans, age groups and learning levels at the same time without compromising learning outcomes.
The Child’s Response That Raises Questions
Perhaps the most troubling revelation came from a seven-year-old pupil.
When members of the outreach team asked why a teacher was absent, the child reportedly replied that the teacher had instructed the pupils not to come to school regularly.
While this account reflects the child’s understanding of the situation and requires official verification, it raises serious concerns about teacher attendance, supervision and accountability in public schools within the district.
If confirmed, it would suggest deeper systemic failures beyond infrastructure.
A Similar Story at Chinke
The visit to LEA Primary School Chinke revealed another challenge.
Although a teacher was present, pupils from different classes were also being taught together because of inadequate staffing.
This suggests that the shortage of teachers may not be limited to a single school but could be affecting several public primary schools within Kwall District.
Where Are the Teachers?
The findings raise important questions that deserve answers from the Plateau State Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB):
How many teachers are officially posted to LEA Primary School Ngbra Zongo and LEA Primary School Chinke?
How many are actively reporting for duty?
When were these schools last inspected by education authorities?
Have funds been allocated for the rehabilitation of these buildings?
What measures are in place to monitor teacher attendance in remote communities?
These are questions that only the relevant authorities can answer.
The Cost of Neglect
Education remains one of the strongest tools for reducing poverty and insecurity. Yet children in Kwall District appear to be learning under conditions that fall below acceptable standards.
Poor classrooms, inadequate teachers and weak supervision do not only affect examination results. They affect children’s confidence, literacy and future opportunities.
Every year spent in such conditions widens the gap between rural and urban education.
Government Must Respond
The National Association of Rigwe Students has called on the Plateau State Government, the Ministry of Education, elected representatives and stakeholders to intervene urgently.
Their appeal goes beyond repairing damaged classrooms. It includes deploying qualified teachers, improving supervision, providing learning materials and ensuring that children in rural communities receive the quality education guaranteed under Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education policy.
The Next Step
This investigation is based on direct observations by NARS during its outreach and the physical condition shown in photographs from the schools. The allegations regarding teacher attendance and classroom arrangements should be independently verified by the Plateau State Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities.
For the children of Kwall District, however, the need is immediate. Every day spent in collapsing classrooms or without adequate teaching is another day lost in their journey toward a better future.
By Ayuba Doekyil
~ Ayuba Doekyil is a Digital Visibility and PR Expert, Political Communication Strategist, Public Affairs Commentator.
Email: profdoeks@gmail.com
