“Please help us”: Edo primary school pupils lament poor learning conditions (Video)

Pupils of Ozolua Model Primary School in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently address the deplorable conditions in their school, citing the absence of functional toilets, potable water, and electricity.

The pupils, aged between six and twelve years, say they are forced to learn in an environment that exposes them to health risks and undermines their dignity despite the school’s status as a public educational institution.

A visit to the school revealed deteriorating sanitary facilities, including broken and unhygienic toilets, with no access to running water or electricity. The situation has reportedly left many pupils with no option but to endure discomfort throughout the school day or resort to unsafe alternatives when nature calls.

According to some of the pupils, the lack of basic amenities has become a daily challenge that affects both their health and learning experience.

“We are from Ozolua Model Primary School. We don’t have water, we don’t have working toilets and we don’t have electricity in our school. We used to go and defecate in the bush whenever we are pressed. Please can you help us?” the pupils pleaded.

The situation is said to be particularly difficult for female pupils, who struggle to manage their personal hygiene during school hours due to the absence of water and private sanitary facilities.

Some teachers at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect of the facility. They disclosed that concerns about the school’s poor infrastructure have been repeatedly brought to the attention of relevant authorities without any meaningful response.

“We have raised these issues several times, but nothing has changed. The children deserve better learning conditions,” one of the teachers said.

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A concerned member of the Iguobazuwa community described the situation as a violation of the children’s right to a safe and healthy learning environment.

“This is not just about toilets. It is about dignity, health, and the future of these children. Every day this problem continues, their education and well-being are being compromised,” the resident stated.

Also expressing concern was a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the area, who questioned why young pupils should be subjected to such conditions.

The corps member called on government officials, political office holders, philanthropists, and public-spirited Nigerians to intervene and provide the basic facilities needed to improve learning conditions in the school.

Ozolua Model Primary School, one of the oldest public schools in the area, was established in 1945. Community members argue that after decades of existence, pupils should not have to struggle for essential amenities such as clean water, electricity, and functional toilets.

Residents noted that Ovia South-West Local Government Area has produced several influential political figures who have served in past and present administrations, urging them to leverage their positions to address the plight of the school.

The growing concerns have renewed calls for greater investment in educational infrastructure, particularly in rural communities where many public schools continue to face challenges related to sanitation, power supply, and access to clean water.

Observers warn that failure to address the situation could expose pupils to preventable diseases, increase absenteeism, and negatively affect academic performance.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have also pointed to the leadership vacuum in Edo State’s Ministry of Education following the exit of former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his political ambition as the candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As the pupils continue to appeal for help, attention is now focused on the Edo State Government and other relevant authorities to determine how quickly action will be taken to restore basic amenities and create a safer learning environment for the children.

For the pupils of Ozolua Model Primary School, the demand is simple: access to clean water, functional toilets, and electricity—facilities they believe should be the minimum standard in any public school.