Chinedum Treasure
Residents of Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra state have raised the alarm over deteriorating state of a two-storey building in Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam.
The residents who raised the concerns after an inspection of the school by the Education Committee of the Umuoba Anam Town Union, warned that the structure could collapse if urgent intervention was not undertaken before next flood season.
The delegation, led by the President-General of the Town Union, Hon. Uchenna Anizor, and the President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Forum, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, inspected classrooms and other facilities while interacting with the school’s management, teachers and students.
According to the committee, the ageing two-storey building has developed extensive cracks, raising fears over the safety of students and staff.
“We are appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Education, to urgently intervene. The condition of this building is frightening, and we fear it may not survive the coming flood season.
“We’re also calling on Sen. Tony Nwoye, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Barr. Obi Nweke and the Mayor of Anambra East, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, to support the rehabilitation of the school,” Anizor said.
The Youth Forum President, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, described the rescue effort as a collective responsibility, calling for support from sons and daughters of Umuoba Anam, alumni, age grades, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations.
“Anyone can adopt a classroom, replace doors and windows, provide whiteboards or repair damaged roofs. Our priority is to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for our children,” he said.
Mmeh lamented that the school currently has one of the poorest educational infrastructures in Anambra East, urging community stakeholders to act before tragedy occurs.
A pioneer student of the institution, Mr. Elias Anizor, appealed to members of the school’s Old Students Association to mobilise support for structural reinforcement and renovation of the buildings.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jude Onuorah, a teacher in the school identified inadequate science laboratories, computer facilities and accommodation for teachers as major challenges confronting the school.
He disclosed that the school lacks laptops required for computer-based examinations after previously supplied devices were lost during the 2012 flood disaster.
“Our students are disadvantaged because we lack the digital tools needed for external examinations and STEM competitions. We also need decent accommodation to attract National Youth Service Corps members,” Okoye said.
The school’s principal, Mrs. Esther Emma-Nwakaeze, commended the Town Union for drawing attention to the situation and appealed to government, philanthropists and development partners to intervene.
Community leaders expressed optimism that timely intervention would prevent a possible structural failure and restore the school to a safe learning environment.
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