Over 600 Pupils in FCT Abuja Schools Learn in Deplorable Conditions, Sit on Bare Floors Under Leaking Roofs

Two primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are in a state of severe neglect, with over 600 pupils forced to sit on bare floors under leaking roofs due to a lack of basic infrastructure. The dire conditions at LEA Primary School Gasaki in Karshi Ward and LEA Primary School Gosa 1 have sparked outrage, raising concerns about the state of public education despite a N177 billion allocation to the FCT Administration in the 2024 budget.

Dire Conditions in LEA Primary School Gasaki

At LEA Primary School Gasaki, over 378 pupils are enduring harsh learning conditions. The school lacks desks, chairs, toilets, a library, an administrative block, and access to clean water. Pupils are forced to sit on bare floors, making learning both difficult and unhealthy.

Civic tech organisation MonITNG, which is committed to government accountability, shared disturbing images of the school on its social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the shocking state of neglect.

“This is LEA Primary School Gasaki, Karshi Ward, Abuja Municipal, FCT Abuja. Despite huge allocations to education, schools like LEA Primary School Gasaki remain in terrible condition. Over 378 pupils sit on bare floors to learn due to a lack of desks and chairs,” the organisation wrote.

Collapsed Classrooms at LEA Primary School Gosa 1

Similarly, LEA Primary School Gosa 1 is in ruins, with over 233 pupils struggling under equally harsh conditions. Collapsed classrooms remain unrepaired, leaving children exposed to the elements. The school also lacks proper security or a perimeter fence, making the premises a haven for criminals, cultists, and drug users, further endangering the students.

MonITNG also highlighted the plight of pupils at LEA Primary School Gosa 1, stating, “In 2024, the FCT Administration allocated approximately N177 billion to education, yet schools like LEA Primary School Gosa 1 are in ruins. Pupils sit on bare floors under leaking roofs as collapsed classrooms remain unattended.”

Calls for Urgent Intervention

MonITNG criticised the government’s spending priorities, pointing out that while billions were being directed toward projects like judges’ quarters, basic education was suffering.

“How can children learn in such harsh conditions? @GovWike & @iretikingibe, this community needs urgent intervention. Facilitate the construction of classrooms, toilets, and other essential facilities. Every child deserves a safe and conducive learning environment,” the group demanded.

The organisation also warned of declining enrollment rates as parents refuse to send their children to unsafe schools. “The government must act now to rebuild classrooms, provide security, and ensure that every child has access to safe and quality education,” the statement continued.

Questions Over Education Spending

The deplorable state of these schools raises serious questions about the effectiveness of education spending under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the territory in the National Assembly. Despite the substantial budgetary allocation, the deteriorating conditions suggest a misalignment of priorities or failures in budget implementation.

Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability

Parents and concerned citizens have called for immediate government intervention to improve the conditions of these schools and prevent further educational setbacks for the affected children. The situation has sparked mounting public pressure, with calls for accountability and transparency in the utilisation of education funds.

Implications for Education in FCT

The neglect of these schools highlights a broader crisis in public education within the FCT. Without urgent intervention, the quality of education will continue to decline, disproportionately affecting children from low-income families. The lack of basic infrastructure, security, and sanitation not only hampers learning but also poses significant health and safety risks to pupils and staff.

Conclusion

The dire conditions at LEA Primary School Gasaki and LEA Primary School Gosa 1 underscore the urgent need for the FCT Administration to prioritise education and ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilised. With mounting public pressure, all eyes are now on the government to address the crisis and provide a safe, conducive learning environment for every child. The future of these pupils—and the broader education system in the FCT—depends on swift and decisive action.