By
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared a state of emergency on public schools across the state, citing their deteriorating condition.
During an inspection tour of schools in Ikpoba-Okha and Egor Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor expressed disappointment over the poor state of infrastructure, particularly in urban areas.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that Edo children deserve a conducive learning environment to help them excel. He recalled his campaign promise to prioritize education and address the infrastructural challenges facing public schools.
During visits to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor, the governor described their conditions as unacceptable, stressing the urgency of intervention.
“I am deeply troubled by the state of the schools I visited today. This is not the kind of environment our children should be learning in. While campaigning, I promised to take decisive action on education, and that starts now with these schools,” he said.
He also noted the impact of erosion, which has damaged the road leading to Army Day Secondary School, known as Boundary Road off Lucky Way. He assured that immediate rehabilitation work would begin, including constructing a fence for Evbareke Secondary School and repairing the affected road.
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, stated that the governor’s visit followed reports highlighting the poor conditions in public schools.
“The governor is here today to assess the situation firsthand and ensure that every Edo child has access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances,” Iyamu said.
Chairperson of the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Omonzane Ebanehita, acknowledged the challenges at Evbareke Secondary School, stating that multiple requests for intervention had been made. She commended the governor for his commitment to resolving the issue.
Vice Principal of Students’ Affairs at Evbareke Secondary School, Mrs. Mary Izewingie, revealed that the school had struggled with inadequate infrastructure since 2022. Despite several appeals to the previous administration, no action was taken.
“We have raised concerns multiple times, but nothing was done. We even made efforts to carry out temporary repairs, but the rains washed them away,” she said.
Governor Okpebholo reassured the public of his administration’s commitment to overhauling public education and creating an enabling environment for students to thrive.
