Niger State Technical School Abandoned for Over a Decade Despite Billions in Education Funding
A civic accountability platform, MonITNG, has revealed that Mamman Kontagora Technical School in Pandogari, Kongoma Central Ward, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State has been abandoned for over a decade, despite the billions allocated to education in the state.
A recent visit by the organisation uncovered a deeply troubling situation dilapidated buildings, caved-in roofs, and crumbling walls that paint a grim picture of neglect.
In a statement addressed to Governor Umar Bago, MonITNG expressed dismay at the condition of the school, stating that the institution, which is meant to equip young people with vital technical skills, lies in ruins.
Learning at the school is reportedly nearly impossible. There are no classrooms, desks, or learning materials. Students are said to sit on bare ground under trees, learning in unsafe and undignified conditions.
According to MonITNG, this level of decay has persisted for more than ten years without any meaningful intervention from either past or current administrations, despite repeated calls from the local community.
“This tragic situation has persisted for over a decade,” the group noted. “It is an indictment on our collective conscience that in 2025, children are still subjected to such inhumane learning environments.”
The group also raised concerns about a mismatch between the substantial education funds received by Niger State and the dire reality on the ground.
They cited data showing that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) disbursed over ₦250 billion in counterpart funding to states for the improvement of basic education, including the renovation of schools and provision of learning materials. Yet, institutions like Mamman Kontagora Technical School remain untouched.
International donors including UNICEF, DFID, USAID, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the World Bank have also provided millions of dollars in educational support to Nigeria and Niger State, aimed especially at underserved communities.
However, the continued abandonment of schools like Mamman Kontagora raises serious concerns about the utilization and impact of these funds.
MonITNG called on Governor Bago to declare a state of emergency in the education sector and initiate immediate reforms.
Their demands include the urgent renovation of the technical school, construction of new classroom blocks, provision of adequate furniture, recruitment of qualified teachers, and consistent monitoring of education projects across the state.
“The future of Niger State depends on the quality of education we provide to our children today,” the group emphasized. “Technical schools are critical to building a skilled workforce. Their neglect is an assault on opportunity, dignity, and the right to education.”
They concluded by urging the government to act swiftly and break the cycle of neglect. The state, in its 2025 budget, reportedly allocated ₦3.2 billion to its Science and Technical Education Board, further raising questions about how such funding is being utilized.
