Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has declared a state of emergency on public schools, citing their deteriorating conditions as a major concern.
During a tour of schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas on Tuesday, the governor, accompanied by top government officials, expressed disappointment over the poor state of urban schools.
He emphasized that students in Edo deserved a conducive learning environment to maximize their potential.
Reaffirming his campaign promise to prioritize education, Okpebholo stated that his administration would take immediate action to improve schools lacking modern facilities.
While visiting Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor, he voiced dissatisfaction with the conditions in which students were being taught.
“I am deeply saddened by what I saw today. These schools are in an unacceptable state. During my campaign, I pledged to declare a state of emergency on education, and I am standing by that commitment. Work will commence tomorrow at Evbareke Secondary School and Army Day Secondary School,” the governor stated.
He further highlighted critical issues such as the absence of perimeter fencing and severe erosion, which had made access roads to Army Day Secondary School almost impassable.
“The road leading to Army Day Secondary School from Boundary Road to Temboga is in terrible shape. This situation is hindering students’ access to education, and we must address it immediately,” he added.
Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, explained that the governor’s visit was aimed at assessing the challenges firsthand to ensure that every child in Edo, including those with disabilities, had access to quality education.
“The governor has directed us to take decisive steps to improve school infrastructure and teaching conditions. Under his leadership, positive change is coming to Edo’s education sector,” Iyamu assured.
Mary Izewingie, Vice Principal of Students’ Affairs at Evbareke Secondary School, informed the governor that despite repeated complaints, the school’s condition had remained unchanged since 2022.
