Residents of Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the two-storey building at Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, warning that the structure poses a serious threat to the lives of students and teachers.
The call followed an inspection of the school by the Education Committee of the Umuoba Anam Town Union, led by the President-General, Hon. Uchenna Anizor, alongside the President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Forum, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh.
During the visit, the delegation assessed the school facilities and expressed concern over deep cracks observed on the walls of the ageing building, describing the structure as unsafe and vulnerable, especially with the approaching flood season.
The community appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Education, to urgently rehabilitate the building before it deteriorates further.
They also called on the Senator representing Anambra North, Dr. Tony Nwoye; the member representing Anambra East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Aniekwe; the member representing Anambra East State Constituency, Barr. Obi Nweke; and the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, to support efforts aimed at restoring the school.
Beyond government intervention, the community urged Umuoba Anam indigenes, alumni, age-grade associations, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to contribute towards the rehabilitation of the school.
Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh described the poor state of the school as a collective challenge requiring immediate action from all stakeholders.
He encouraged individuals and groups to support the project by adopting classrooms, replacing doors and windows, installing whiteboards, repairing damaged roofs or sponsoring other renovation works.
Also speaking, a pioneer student of the institution, Mr. Elias Anizor, appealed to former students to reunite under the school’s Old Students Association and contribute to preserving the institution’s legacy.
According to him, the ageing two-storey building requires urgent structural reinforcement and comprehensive renovation to prevent a possible collapse.
A teacher at the school, Mr. Jude Onuorah, highlighted additional challenges confronting the institution, including inadequate science laboratories, lack of computers for digital learning and examinations, and insufficient accommodation for teachers.
He disclosed that the school’s computers were lost during the devastating 2012 flood, leaving students at a disadvantage in computer-based examinations and science competitions.
Onuorah further revealed that the absence of suitable accommodation has discouraged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from accepting postings to the school, worsening the shortage of teaching staff.
The Principal, Mrs. Esther Emma-Nwakaeze, commended the Town Union’s Education Committee for drawing attention to the situation and appealed to government agencies, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to assist in rebuilding the school.
Community leaders expressed optimism that timely intervention would prevent a potential tragedy and provide students with a safe, modern and conducive environment for learning.
