By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Anthony Ademu Adaji, has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of public primary and secondary schools in rural Kogi State, calling on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to urgently address the crisis.
In a powerful address delivered during the Chrism Mass at Saint Boniface Cathedral, Bishop Adaji lamented the appalling conditions faced by students in the state’s rural education system. Despite claims of substantial financial commitments by the state government to the education sector over the past nine years, he highlighted that students in some secondary schools are forced to learn and sit for exams on the floor.
The Bishop was particularly critical of the state of schools in Kogi East, describing them as being in a state of disrepair beyond imagination. “You cannot find more than 5 percent of functional public schools in Kogi East, yet billions of naira are earmarked for education every year,” Adaji said.
He expressed disbelief at the continued neglect of rural education in the state, especially considering the large portion of the population living in these areas. “The situation in rural schools is tragic. In some areas, it is a heartbreaking sight for anyone who understands the transformative power of education. These are the children who are meant to be the leaders of tomorrow, yet their future is being stifled by the lack of infrastructure and resources.”
The Bishop cautioned the state government against using schools in Lokoja, the state capital, as a benchmark for the rest of the state. “The education system in the rural areas is in shambles, and the government must stop deceiving itself by comparing the conditions of schools in urban centers to those in the countryside,” he said.
Bishop Adaji urged Governor Ododo to prioritize education and infrastructure as part of his mandate for the development of Kogi State. “While we commend the governor for paying regular salaries to state and local government workers, education and infrastructure must be equally prioritized. These are the pillars on which the future of Kogi State rests.”
In his call to action, the Bishop emphasized that it is not too late for Governor Ododo to act, but that urgent steps must be taken before the situation becomes irreparable. “Governor Ododo should take immediate action to ensure that education in Kogi East and the entire state is restored to a functional and meaningful standard.”
As the state continues to struggle with the challenges in its education sector, the Bishop’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility of leaders to invest in the future of their people.
