Abuja Pupils Learn in Roofless, Rain-Soaked Classrooms as Group Slams Wike, Kingibe Over Neglect
Pupils at LEA Kogo Primary School in Bwari, Abuja, are forced to learn in classrooms without roofs, soaked by rain, as years of infrastructural neglect expose the deep cracks in Nigeria’s public education system. A civic group is calling out the FCT Minister and Senator for inaction.
A civic technology platform, Monitng, has raised alarm over the deplorable condition of LEA Kogo Primary School in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.
Founded in 2003, the school now operates under severely dilapidated conditions, including roofless classrooms that leave pupils and teachers exposed to heavy rains and extreme weather.
Monitng’s inspection revealed broken ceilings, a lack of furniture, and overcrowded classrooms, where teachers often share benches or stand throughout lessons. The group describes the conditions as “demoralising, unjust, and completely unacceptable.”
Criticism was particularly directed at Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for prioritizing the renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre a luxury venue rarely used while critical public education infrastructure crumbles.
“This kind of misplaced priority shows just how disconnected the leadership is from the real needs of the people,” Monitng said.
Even more concerning is the recent disbursement of ₦250 billion by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to states and the FCT for basic education projects. Despite this, LEA Kogo remains untouched.
“Where is the money going? Who is tracking its impact? Schools like LEA Kogo continue to suffer despite massive funding. This raises serious accountability questions,” the group added.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the area, also came under fire for her silence on the crisis. “Her inaction speaks volumes. Vulnerable children in her constituency are being denied a safe, dignified place to learn.”
According to Monitng, the ₦39 billion earmarked for the conference centre’s renovation could renovate hundreds of classrooms and provide essential amenities such as water, electricity, and desks.
“This is a call for accountability. Education must come first,” the group concluded.
Nigeria’s public education sector continues to suffer from underfunding and poor maintenance.
Despite large budgetary allocations and donor support, implementation and impact remain questionable, particularly in underserved communities.
“The children of LEA Kogo deserve more than leaking classrooms and empty promises.”
“This kind of misplaced priority shows just how disconnected the leadership is from the real needs of the people.”
