Ikot Effanga Primary School in Calabar Municipality has come under scrutiny for its deteriorating infrastructure, leaving students sitting on the bare floor amidst crumbling cement and sand. The dire situation has sparked outrage among the local community, especially considering that the school once had basic amenities like benches.
The school, a symbol of the struggles faced by public education during Nigeria’s military rule, has now become a stark example of governmental neglect. Frustrated with the lack of action from state officials, community members are taking matters into their own hands.
Renowned journalist and social commentator, Agba Jalingo, has become the voice of the community’s discontent. He passionately shared the plight of the students and condemned the extortionate levies imposed on them. Jalingo pointed out the irony that while education officials send their own children to private schools, the children of the less privileged are left in deplorable conditions.
In response to the dire situation, concerned community members, led by Jalingo, have vowed to take action. They have given the state government an ultimatum, demanding immediate renovation of the school. Should the government fail to respond, the community plans to raise funds independently within the next three days to purchase chairs and tables for the students.
“Ikot Effanga Primary School, Calabar Municipality…
I finished my primary and secondary education from public schools when Nigeria was still under military government. There was not a day my mates or myself ever sat on the floor. We didn’t have the best but we had benches to sit on, at least.
But see the floor sef, the fake cement flooring has been eroded and the kids are sitting on sand sand. One even removed his shirt and he is wearing a singlet, possibly because of heat. Some are facing forward and some facing backward.
Yet, the extorted levies from the pupils are shared amongst education officials in our State. They send their kids to private schools and drive the children of the poor home to go and bring levies for them to share.
If the STATE GOVERNMENT does not make a statement and begin immediate renovation of this school, WE THE PEOPLE, will start raising money within the next three days to buy chairs and tables right there, for the sake of the kids. We have done it before and we can do it again” Agba Jalingo shared on Facebook.
However, Freedom Bassey in the comment section added that the state’s commissioner of education is currently at the scene
“Thank you Agba Jalingo . The Commissioner for Education is in the school as I type this comment”.
This proactive approach echoes a similar initiative undertaken by the community in the past, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for the next generation.
The resilience of the people of Ikot Effanga serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of ensuring access to quality education for all.
