Kwara state government’s neglect leaves Ilorin community school in ruins   * Students study in horrible condition.

By Bamidele Aremu

In the bustling heart of Ilorin, the Odo-Okun community is a testament to resilience and a shared commitment to education. Yet, within this vibrant neighborhood lies a troubling paradox: the local school, a supposed beacon of hope for the next generation, is in a state of utter neglect.

A recent visit by National Pilot unveiled a grim reality. The school, which caters to thousands of eager students, resembles a forgotten relic. Its infrastructure is crumbling—windows shattered, walls cracked, and roofs leaking. Overcrowded classrooms echo with the clatter of broken chairs and desks, while the absence of basic amenities like toilets, water, and electricity paints a picture of despair.

Teachers, who spoke to National Pilot under anonymity on Tuesday, expressed frustration and disappointment with the condition of the school.

“We’ve been complaining about the condition of the school for years, but nothing seems to be done. It’s like the government has forgotten about us,” a teacher said.

Another teacher who also spoke under anonymity lamented, saying: “It’s a shame that our children have to learn in such an environment. We do our best to teach them, but it’s difficult when the facilities are so poor

“We pour our hearts into teaching these children, but the environment fights against us every step of the way”

For students, the dream of education is tainted by fear and discomfort.

“I hate coming to school. The classrooms are hot, the chairs are broken, and it feels like no one cares,” a 13-year-old Aisha lamented while speaking to National Pilot on Tuesday.

In the same vein, a fifteen-year-old Abdulrahman echoed his colleague’s fears saying: “The cracked walls and leaking roof make us afraid the school could collapse. During the rainy season, it’s like a nightmare with classrooms flooding.”

When National Pilot visited the Chairman of the Odo-Okun Community Development Association, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulganiyi, he voiced his frustration about the condition of the school saying: “This school is not just a place of learning; it’s a symbol of our pride. We’ve begged the government for help, but nothing has been done.”

Also, the Deputy Mogaji of Odo-Okun community, Alhaji S. Bala revealed that countless letters to local, state, and federal authorities have gone unanswered.

“We’ve written to the state government, the local government, and even the federal government, but nobody seems to care. We’re calling on the government to come to our aid and renovate this school. Our children deserve a better future,” he said.

A letter addressed to the Kwara State Commissioner for Education, dated May 14, 2024, which handed over to National Pilot starkly outlines the situation:

“There is growing roofs collapsing in school (odo-okun) and existence

of dangerous building Rew roofs, the buildings are old, lacking repair and maintenance with their conditions eventually becoming dilapidated.

“The entire classroom and patients word are not in good condition for learning and working, of which the student, patient, teachers and nurses feel very uncomfortable in paying good attention to.

“Sir, we are appealing to you to come to our rescue as a matter of urgency, because the condition of the school and the Health centre right now is beyond the reach of the community alone.

“In conclusion sir, in the name of above named community we are using this opportunity to appreciate your numerous assistance to us and we are looking forward for more sir. We pray to Almighty “Allah” to spare your life with good health and more wisdom Allahuma Amin.

Attached with photograph of the classroom and health centre premises in present condition. Thanks.”

However, all efforts made by National Pilot to get the Ilorin West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Babatunde Ladan’s reaction, proved abortive as call and texts to his remain unreplied.

Also, on Saturday around 3pm a text which read: “Good day, Honourable, I write from National Pilot. I want to get your reaction over the dilapidated conditions of Odo-Okun community school. The school seems to be lacking any government presence. Is there any reason for that sir?” was unreplied till the time of filing this report.

As the spotlight turns to this neglected institution, the question remains: Will those in power answer the call? Or will the dreams of countless children crumble alongside their school?