Bauchi: Despite 29bn Education Allocation, Primary Schools are in Shambles

In Bauchi state, quality education is a mere slogan and nowhere close to actualization. During our field exercises, we discovered that dilapidated primary schools are littered all over the state, despite a N29.93bn allocation to education in the state in 2022.

In Kafin Lemo community, Ningi LGA, Bauchi, the children do not know what it feels like to learn in a conducive environment with quality learning materials. Over 500 children that attend Kafin Lemo primary school manage a block of dilapidated classrooms without roofs, windows, or furniture.

When we visited the school in February 2023, the headteacher, Mr Abdulumar, narrated that three of 4 buildings on the premises are dilapidated, while only one building with two classrooms is useable but cannot fully accommodate all the pupils.

“All our 597 pupils sit on the floor to receive classes. We only have five trained teachers and one untrained Arabic teacher, which is insufficient. During this harmattan period, most pupils don’t come to school due to the bad conditions of the buildings.

There are no roofs, doors, windows or furniture. We have the same problem during the rainy season. We always have to send the children home whenever it is about to rain for preventive measures.” said Umar.

“We urge BudgIT’s Tracka to help us add voices in calling the government’s attention. This would be the best moment for us if our only primary school could be renovated with the provision of toilets, furniture, teaching materials and teachers to improve the learning standard in our community.” he continued.

One of the residents, Mr Abdulhameed, said the primary school was built by the state government over 50 years ago but became dysfunctional due to poor maintenance and management.

He complained that the school’s attendance had reduced drastically due to the unconducive environment, as the children now prefer to follow their parents to the farm. He revealed that the state government had not tried to ease the situation.

“We have been crying to the government to help our children and help us renovate the school, but till today nothing has been done. Please help us talk to the government,” he said.

According to Abdulhameed, crossing a river without a bridge is the only way to get through Kafin Lemon. It becomes inaccessible during raining season because everywhere is flooded.

“The government have abandoned us despite having a son – Honorable Ado Wakili – who hails from the community representing us in Burra constituency under Bauchi state house of assembly,” he said.

We call on the governor of Bauchi state, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Ningi Local Government chairman, Hon Ibrahim Zubairu, to facilitate the renovation and furnishing of Kafin Lemo primary school to ensure that the children have access to quality primary education.

Story by Ayomide Ladipo and Ahmed Akhayagboke