The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, Anthony Ademu Adaji, has publicly criticised the Kogi State government over the dire conditions of public primary and secondary schools in the region. Speaking at a Chrism Mass held at Saint Boniface Cathedral, Idah, on 27 April, Bishop Adaji drew attention to the significant decline in educational infrastructure and resources, despite the government's substantial monthly allocations.
Addressing the congregation during the ceremony that commemorates the institution of the Catholic priesthood, Bishop Adaji revealed that many students in Kogi State are forced to sit on bare floors while learning and taking their examinations. He underscored the lack of teachers and instructional materials and noted that some pupils have no choice but to study under trees due to insufficient classroom facilities.
The bishop particularly focused on the situation in Kogi East, stating, “You cannot get 5% functional public schools in Kogi East, yet billions of naira are budgeted for education yearly. If you visit some government schools in Kogi East, you will weep.” He accused the government of employing propaganda tactics by highlighting better conditions in urban schools to conceal the crisis faced by rural schools, where the majority of the population resides.
In his remarks, Bishop Adaji appealed directly to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, urging him to make addressing the challenges within the education sector a priority. He stressed the need for improved educational infrastructure and consistent salary payments for teachers. The bishop issued a cautionary note to the governor, stating, “Governor Ododo should do the needful before it is too late.”
Bishop Adaji’s comments come amid growing concerns about the state of education in Kogi State, where the gap between budgetary allocations and actual conditions in schools appears to be widening. The Christmass Mass event provided a platform for the bishop to call for urgent intervention to improve educational opportunities for children and adolescents in the area.
Source: Noah Wire Services