In an alarming twist, pupils in Edo State’s public schools continue to sit on the floor for lessons, despite the state receiving a hefty N200 billion intervention fund from the World Bank for educational development. The funding, part of the broader National Education Sector Plan (NESP) aimed at improving the quality of education, was meant to address infrastructure deficits, provide better learning environments, and equip schools with modern resources. Yet, many schools in the state continue to operate under substandard conditions, with a severe lack of furniture and classroom space.
Reports from several affected schools across Edo State paint a dire picture. In classrooms, students are seen huddling on bare floors with little to no seating arrangements, while teachers struggle to impart lessons in poorly equipped environments. “We have no chairs, and the floor is cold,” one student from a public school in Benin City lamented. “It’s difficult to concentrate when you’re uncomfortable.”
Despite the substantial intervention funds, the state’s educational system faces critical challenges that include poor management, lack of accountability, and delayed implementation of development projects. Critics argue that the funds, though allocated, have not been effectively utilized, leaving many schools in deplorable conditions.
An investigation revealed that several construction and procurement projects intended to improve school infrastructure have been either delayed or mismanaged. Sources within the Ministry of Education suggest that bureaucratic bottlenecks, corruption, and lack of transparency have hindered the effective deployment of funds.
Parents, local stakeholders, and education advocates have raised concerns over the state government’s inability to translate the N200 billion into tangible improvements. “The funds were supposed to benefit our children, but they are still learning in miserable conditions,” said a parent, whose child attends a public school in Uromi. “This is a betrayal of the promise that came with the World Bank’s funding.”
Edo State’s government, however, has denied claims of mismanagement and insists that efforts are underway to improve the educational sector. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration has pointed to ongoing school renovation projects and the distribution of learning materials as part of their reform strategy. Still, the situation on the ground raises questions about whether these measures are sufficient and why schools continue to lack basic amenities.
Experts have called for an urgent overhaul of the state’s education system, recommending stricter oversight and better utilization of the funds allocated by the World Bank. “The education of our children is paramount, and without adequate infrastructure, we are setting them up for failure,” said Professor Isaac Asekhame, an education analyst.
The situation remains dire, and for now, the pupils of Edo State’s public schools continue to endure the hardship of sitting on the floor, waiting for the promises of improvement to materialize.
Conclusion:
As the controversy surrounding the management of the N200 billion World Bank intervention continues, it remains to be seen whether the Edo State government will address these critical issues and provide the necessary improvements to the state’s public schools. Without urgent reforms and more effective utilization of funds, the state’s educational future hangs in the balance.
source: thenationlineng.net
