Jos primary school pupils learn on bare floors as poor facilities raise health concerns

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A concerned citizen has petitioned the government over the condition of facilities at Garba Daho Primary School in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

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Pupils attend the school amid dilapidated classroom structures, inadequate furniture and poorly maintained toilets, raising concerns about their safety, health and learning conditions.

In a petition dated 13 October, Ismail Rabiu, an education stakeholder from Garba Daho Ward, urged the authorities to rehabilitate the school urgently, calling for improved classrooms, basic learning facilities and better sanitation.

Mr Rabiu appealed to the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Jos North Local Government chairman to inspect the school and take immediate steps to improve its condition.

When a PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter visited the school, they observed deteriorating classroom structures, cracked floors and inadequate furniture for pupils.

The school’s toilets were also in poor condition, raising concerns about hygiene and potential health risks.

The condition of the facilities highlights the challenges pupils face in accessing a safe and conducive learning environment, where damaged infrastructure and inadequate sanitation can undermine their wellbeing and ability to learn.

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Mr Rabiu was concerned that the pupils lacked basic facilities, including desks, chairs and adequate teaching and learning materials.

He also urged the authorities to prioritise emergency repairs.

“Our children deserve to learn in dignity. Save them today,” Mr Rabiu said in the petition.

Petitioner seeks urgent government intervention

Mr Rabiu called on SUBEB and the Plateau State Government to conduct an on-site assessment of the school and determine the immediate interventions required to address its structural and sanitary problems.

The petitioner said addressing the school’s condition was necessary to protect pupils and provide them with an environment suitable for learning.

Mr Rabiu described Garba Daho as a major commercial centre in Jos, citing Terminus Market, Metal Market, Abuja Market, Yan Doya, Yan Kwalabe and Kasuwan Dare among the markets and commercial areas in the ward.

He also listed several financial institutions, the National Orthopaedic Hospital and other commercial establishments as part of the area’s economic importance.

Despite the community’s significance, he said the condition of the primary school required urgent attention from the relevant authorities.

Mr Rabiu stressed that his appeal was not intended to antagonise the local government leadership but to draw attention to the needs of children attending the public school.

He urged the Jos North Local Government chairman, SUBEB and the state government to ensure that pupils have access to functional classrooms, adequate furniture, essential learning materials and hygienic toilets.

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The petition calls for a physical inspection of the school and prompt action to address the problems identified.