Repair dilapidated classrooms instead of constructing new ones — Parents tells Gov. Yusuf

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano

Parents and education stakeholders across Kano State have urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritise the repair of deteriorating school buildings instead of focusing on the construction of new classroom blocks.

Speaking to our correspondent in Kano, Malam Musa Abdullahi, a retired headteacher, stressed the importance of repairing existing classrooms.

“I advise His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to concentrate on repairing the dilapidated school blocks and equipping them with furniture. The cost of building a new block could be used to repair ten or more rundown classrooms,” Abdullahi said.

Malam Ado Yahaya, a former education secretary, echoed Abdullahi’s views, pointing out that one of the primary challenges facing education in northern states, including Kano, is the lack of adequate learning facilities.

“It is crucial for our governors to focus on rehabilitating existing school buildings and ensuring they are fully functional, rather than directing efforts towards new constructions,” Yahaya stated.

Similarly, Malam Musa Sani, a member of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) from Ungogo Local Government Area, voiced his concerns about the state of education in public schools.

“Governors must understand that well-maintained classrooms are essential to fostering a conducive learning environment. Proper rehabilitation of classroom blocks is crucial for effective learning, especially in public schools,” Sani said.

A visit by our correspondent to several primary and secondary schools across various local education authorities in Kano revealed widespread issues of dilapidated infrastructure.

Many schools are plagued with problems such as damaged roofs, broken windows, missing doors, and a severe shortage of furniture. In some cases, students are forced to sit on the floor due to the absence of chairs and desks, despite significant public funding being allocated to education.