Anambra residents raise alarm over collapsing school building

Residents of Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, have voiced serious concerns over the dilapidated state of a two-storey building at the Community Secondary School. An inspection by the Umuoba Anam Town Union's Education Committee revealed extensive cracks in the aging structure, raising fears of a potential collapse.

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We are appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Education, to urgently intervene. The condition of this building is frightening, and we fear it may not survive the coming flood season.

The delegation, led by the Town Union's President-General Uchenna Anizor and Youth Forum President Onyebuchi Mmeh, interacted with school staff and students. Anizor specifically appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Education for urgent intervention, emphasizing that the building's condition is "frightening" and may not withstand the upcoming flood season. Calls for support have also been directed towards Senator Tony Nwoye, Peter Aniekwe, Obi Nweke, and the Chairman of Anambra East, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze.

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Anyone can adopt a classroom, replace doors and windows, provide whiteboards or repair damaged roofs. Our priority is to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.

Mmeh urged the wider community, including alumni, age grades, corporate bodies, and NGOs, to contribute to the school's rehabilitation. "Anyone can adopt a classroom, replace doors and windows, provide whiteboards or repair damaged roofs," he stated, stressing the priority of creating a safe learning environment. He highlighted that the school possesses "one of the poorest educational infrastructures in Anambra East" and implored stakeholders to act before a tragedy occurs.

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The school currently has one of the poorest educational infrastructures in Anambra East. We urge community stakeholders to act on the deteriorating state of the building before tragedy occurs.

Beyond the immediate structural concerns, a teacher at the school, Jude Onuorah, pointed out other significant challenges, including inadequate science laboratories, computer facilities, and teacher accommodation. He noted the school's lack of laptops for computer-based examinations, as previously supplied devices were lost during the 2012 flood. The principal, Esther Emma-Nwakaeze, acknowledged the community's efforts in bringing attention to the situation.

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Our students are disadvantaged because we lack the digital tools needed for external examinations and STEM competitions. We also need decent accommodation to attract National Youth Service Corps members.