Dr. Lenu Goodluck Wege, a senior lecturer at Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in Bori, has passionately called on the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to declare a state of emergency in the education sector, particularly in Ogoni, where the damaged infrastructure has left students vulnerable to the
Addressing a group of selected journalists in Bori, Dr. Wege, who is also a gospel artist, painted a grim picture of the state of education in the area, lamenting that many students now learn under trees without classrooms, laboratories, or computers.
“The situation in our schools is worrisome. Students are learning under trees without classrooms, computers, or laboratories. We must take immediate action to save the future of the poor,” he said.
Dr. Wege pointed out that poor academic performance in computer-based exams should not be misinterpreted as lack of intelligence, but rather a direct consequence of the technological deficit in schools across the region.
“It’s not because our students are not intelligent, but because they haven’t been exposed to the right technology. Government needs to bridge this gap and provide our students with the tools they need to succeed,” he emphasized.
The reality, he said, is dire. Many Ogoni schools lack even the most basic amenities—classrooms, electricity, water, libraries, or toilets. Some schools are forced to suspend classes during rainfall because there are no roofs or shelters to protect the children.
“Imagine having to stop learning just because it’s raining. Our students deserve better. We need to provide them with safe and conducive learning environments,” Dr. Wege urged.
He described the entire situation as unacceptable and called on the Sole Administrator to act decisively and prioritize education as a key to the state’s progress.
“The future of our state depends on the quality of our education system. We can’t afford to neglect our schools and expect our students to succeed. It’s time for us to take decisive action and restore the glory of education in Rivers State,” he declared.
Dr. Wege also reminded the government that many of the existing school structures in Ogoni were built during the military era, stressing the need for urgent upgrades and reforms.
“The call for a state of emergency in the education sector is a clarion call for urgent action,” he said. “The Rivers State government must prioritize education and provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to ensure that students receive quality education.”
He warned that continued neglect of the education sector could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the students but for the safety and economic stability of the entire state.
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“If we fail to address these inadequacies, many students from the affected areas will drop out of school and find it difficult to gain admission into higher institutions. This will not only limit their opportunities but also endanger the lives and properties of our people,” he said.
“Without education, these young minds may become security threats to themselves and others, leading to more crime and havoc in our society. We can’t afford to have more warlords and civilian generals than doctors and professors,” Dr. Wege added.
He decried the fact that, out of about 50 secondary schools in Ogoniland, only one BMGS, Bori can boast of a library, laboratory, and ICT facilities. Many of the others, he said, are overrun by grasses, with students learning under trees, exposed to reptiles and harsh weather.
Worse still, he revealed, some schools are operating with just one or two teachers, and in some communities, untrained volunteers are drafted to manage classrooms due to a shortage of qualified teachers.
“This underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention,” he said. “The reliance on untrained volunteers is a clear indication that the education system in Ogoni is in dire need of support and reform.”
Dr. Wege concluded that the ongoing collapse of education in Ogoniland poses a serious threat to the future of its children and to the development of Rivers State as a whole.
“Without access to quality education, these children are likely to be disadvantaged in the job market, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and deprivation. This is a crisis that must be tackled head-on,” he warned.
