Neglect of Basic Education in Kaduna State Exposed by Deplorable State of Primary School

Strategic Insights -

In the heart of Kaduna State, a primary school in the Badagari community has been laid bare as a symptom of a broader systemic failure in the state's basic education system. Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School in Badagari has been found to be operating in deplorable conditions, with pupils learning without basic amenities such as toilets, furniture, and functional windows or doors. The situation has been attributed to the lack of adequate infrastructure and insufficient staffing, with a single teacher handling all classes and subjects. This egregious situation has been highlighted by civic technology platform Monitng, which has described it as a "national disgrace" that has persisted despite the allocation of over ₦250 billion by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to state governments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The LGEA Primary School in Badagari operates with only one teacher, who is responsible for handling all subjects and classes, posing a significant challenge to the quality of education provided to the pupils.
  • The school's infrastructure is severely dilapidated, with no functional classroom furniture, no sanitation facilities, and buildings exposed to the elements due to the lack of windows and doors.
  • Despite the allocation of ₦250 billion by UBEC, the school remains in a state of neglect, highlighting a mismatch between public spending and the realities on the ground.
  • Both the present and past administrations of Kaduna State have been criticized for failing to prioritize education in underserved communities, leading to the collapse of public education infrastructure.
  • Monitng has called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently intervene and deploy resources to restore dignity to the school, emphasizing that the pupils deserve safe, conducive, and functional learning environments.

Statistics:

  • ₦250 billion - the amount allocated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to state governments for improving learning environments and employing more teachers.
  • Over 250 billion - the estimated amount allocated to Kaduna State government from UBEC funds.
  • 1 - the number of teachers handling all subjects and classes at the LGEA Primary School in Badagari.

Sources:

  • Monitoring