Okpebholo orders renovation of Edo’s dilapidated public schools

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state has ordered the urgent renovation of public schools following an inspection that revealed severe infrastructure decay.

During a visit to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor on Tuesday, the governor expressed dismay over the poor state of facilities.

NAN reports that the governor was at the schools to observe their eroded roads, lack of fencing, and inadequate classrooms.

“I feel bad about the state of the schools I inspected today,” he said.

“The conditions are unacceptable for our children. I promised during my campaign to improve schools lacking modern facilities, and work will begin immediately at these two schools.”

Okpebholo noted that Army Day Secondary School suffers from severe erosion, making access difficult for students.

He said both schools lack proper security infrastructure.

Paddy Iyamu, the Edo commissioner for education, said the governor’s visit was part of the governor’s commitment to firsthand assessment of challenges affecting students.

He assured that the administration would prioritize the rehabilitation of school infrastructure to create a better learning environment.

Mary Izewingie, the vice Principal of Evbareke Secondary School, said the school had been in a poor state since 2022 despite repeated complaints.

“We have cried out for help, but nobody listened. Learning has been difficult for our students. We even tried to make repairs, but the rains ruined our efforts,” she said.

Okpebholo assured the school administrators that immediate action would be taken to address their infrastructure deficits.