Stakeholders in Kwara State have expressed concerns over the dilapidation of Government Girls Day Secondary School in Okoerin, a community in Ilorin West of the state.
They said the lives of students who learn under the collapsing structures are in jeopardy, calling on the government and other kind spirited Kwarans to come to the aid of the school.
The classrooms and administrative offices of the educational institution are in tatters as weeds have overgrown the premises.
A resident of the community, simply identified as Waheed, lamented the deteriorating school, saying the situation has been discouraging students from attending classes.
He also appealed to the alumni body of the school for its rehabilitation, emphasising that criminals have been taking advantage of the ruins to perpetrate crimes in the community.
“This school has produced great personalities but unfortunately, it is now in ruins. All manner of reptiles have occupied the dilapidated structures and criminals are already turning the space to their hideouts. We want Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to do something urgent in renovating the school,” he said.
Other stakeholders also lamented the neglect, making an urgent appeal for the immediate renovation of the government school.
A group of journalists in the state also expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the school, and charged the state governor for intervention.
It stated that the educational institution serves as a crucial foundation for the education and empowerment of female students, disclosing that the school is currently facing a grave situation that jeopardizes the safety and learning environment of its inhabitants.
“The school’s infrastructure — comprising classrooms and administrative offices — has deteriorated to a point where it is on the verge of collapse. The walls are cracked, ceilings sag, and many classrooms are filled with visible signs of disrepair. This deplorable condition poses not only a threat to the physical safety of our students and teachers but also adversely affects their ability to engage in a conducive learning environment.
“Education is the bedrock of societal development, and the government has a paramount responsibility to ensure that every student has access to safe and effective educational facilities. The current state of the Government Girls Day Secondary School in Okoerin does not reflect the values and commitments of our government to provide quality education for all.
“We are aware that Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a leader who values the importance of education and the welfare of Kwara State’s youth. His track record of listening to the concerns of citizens and promptly addressing them gives us hope that immediate action can be taken to remedy this dire situation.
“We urge the Kwara State government to prioritise the renovation of the school buildings, ensuring that they are rehabilitated to meet contemporary educational standards. This effort would not only restore normalcy in the academic calendar but also serve as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a safe and productive environment for all students,” they said.
