Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared a state of emergency on public schools, ‘’because most of them are in bad condition.’’
Okpebholo, who was accompanied on inspection of some public schools in Ikpoba/Okha and Egor local governments in Edo South Senatorial District, lamented the sorry state of facilities at the schools located in urban areas.
He expressed displeasure about the conditions of the schools visited.
The governor said: “Edo children deserve a better schooling environment that will bring out the best in them.
“While campaigning for the votes of the electorate in Edo State, I promised to declare a state of emergency on public schools across Edo State that lack modern facilities and conducive environment for learning.
“Visiting Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba/Okha Local Government and Evbareke Secondary School in Egor Council, I am not pleased with what I saw. I have no choice but to begin the action from the schools.
“I feel very bad about the situation of the schools that I inspected today. Look at the type of schools our children are attending. It is not acceptable at all.
“We stopped on the road on our way to one of the schools because erosion has cut off the road. This is not good for our children, as we want the best for them.
“From tomorrow, work will begin here, as the school visited has no fence, and the road leading to Army Day Secondary School has been washed off by erosion. We must give Edo children quality education to set them for the future.
“The road leading to Army Day Secondary School is known as Boundary Road, off Lucky Way. The road leads to Temboga.”
Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, said information got to the ministry on the harsh condition facing students of the school.
He said the governor was visiting schools to see things for himself, because he wanted to feel the plight of the students and ensure every Edo child had access to good structure and teachers in their schools.