Enugu community appeals to ENSUBEB for upgrade of school

Cosmas Chukwu, Enugu

The Odobudo Omulo Ubahu Development Union has appealed to the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) to consider the peculiar geographical challenges facing the community in accessing the Smart Green School located at their political ward, requesting for an upgrade of the existing primary school to meet up with the desired educational standard.

The appeal was made when the leadership of the Development Union, led by its Vice President, Mr. Nweke Christopher, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board to discuss issues affecting the educational development and welfare of children in the community.

Presenting the major concern of the delegation, the PTA Chairman, Mr Igwe Nwamba, explained that the community was practically cut off by Ubahu river on all sides, making access to the Smart Green School a serious challenge for parents and pupils.

According to him, the distance and river crossings had created genuine fears among parents, particularly over the safety of their children. He stressed that parents would find it difficult to send their children to the Smart Green School, where doing so could expose them to the danger of drowning.

He said the purpose of the visit was not merely to complain but to seek a constructive solution that would guarantee the children’s right to quality and safe basic education.

The community leader disclosed that the people had already taken steps to address the educational needs of their children by establishing a school within the community, where about 150 pupils are currently receiving instruction.

He therefore appealed to ENSUBEB to allow the community school to be utilised as a platform for nurturing and grooming the children, while government intervention could subsequently be channelled towards improving its infrastructure, learning environment and overall standard.

The delegation expressed confidence that with government support, the school could be transformed into a befitting centre of learning that would serve the children of the community without exposing them to unnecessary risks.

Responding the ENSUBEB Executive Chairman, Associate Professor Hyginus Banko Okibe, assured the Community of necessary action to address their issue.

He also commended the delegation for choosing dialogue and presenting their concerns through an appropriate channel and described their approach as responsible and constructive.

The Executive Chairman acknowledged that the location of some Smart Green Schools had presented challenges in certain communities, particularly where distance and difficult terrain could make regular access difficult for learners, but reiterated that the Board is presently addressing the various issues presented by different communities

Prof. Okibe therefore promised that the request of the Odobudo Omulo Ubahu community would be looked into with a view to taking immediate action to address the challenge.

He reiterated the Board’s commitment to ensuring that the ongoing transformation of basic education in Enugu State translates into meaningful access to quality education for every child, irrespective of location.

In a symbolic expression of relief and renewed hope, Mr Igwe Nwamba chanted a song of happiness and thanksgiving, appreciating the Chairman for listening to the community’s concerns.

He subsequently offered prayers for the Executive Chairman, members of the Board and the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for introducing what he described as a world-class standard of education for children in the state.

He prayed that the administration’s educational reforms would continue to yield positive results and that communities such as theirs would not be left behind in the transformation.

The visit underscored the importance of community participation and dialogue in educational development, particularly as Enugu State continues to implement reforms aimed at providing children with modern, safe, and quality learning environments Other members of the delegation includes Mr Joseph Eneh and Mr Okogba Joseph Chairman Nze na Ozo.