By Our Correspondent
The only primary school in Kpata Kpale, a farming community in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, now stands in ruins, its walls cracked, its roof half-collapsed, and its classrooms deserted.
Once a place where children’s laughter filled the air, the school has become a shadow of itself, leaving hundreds of children without access to formal education.
A School in Ruins
The structure, built through community effort over a decade ago, has suffered years of neglect. Today, weeds grow where chalkboards used to hang, desks lie broken in corners, and leaking roofs allow rainwater to flood the classrooms. For pupils and teachers, learning is no longer possible in such an environment.
During a visit to the site, our correspondent observed classrooms without doors and windows, blackboards faded beyond use, and cracked walls that pose a danger of collapse. The compound, once filled with pupils, is eerily quiet.
Children Out of School
The consequence is clear: children of school age in Kpata Kpale now spend their days at home, on farms, or loitering in the village. Parents say the situation is heartbreaking.
“Our children no longer go to school because there is no school for them to attend,” lamented Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a father of three. “We want them to learn, but where will they sit? The roof is gone, the teachers are not regular, and the classrooms are dangerous. Government has forgotten us.”
Voices of Mothers
For the women of Kpata Kpale, the situation is even more painful. Many mothers expressed fear that their children may never have the chance to pursue education if urgent action is not taken.
Mrs. Esther Audu, whose two children once attended the school, said:
“We are crying as mothers. Education is the only hope we have for our children. If they remain at home, what will become of their future? Some of them are already following us to the farms. If the government does not rebuild this school, these children will grow up without knowledge.”
Community Leaders Sound the Alarm
Traditional leaders and elders in the community have also voiced their concern. The village head described the situation as “a ticking time bomb,” warning that neglecting the education of rural children will have long-term consequences for Kogi State.
“We cannot talk about development when our children are out of school,” he said.
“Education is the foundation of every society. If these children remain uneducated, the future of this community—and by extension, the state—is at risk.”
Years of Neglect and Broken Promises
Residents recalled that politicians have, in the past, promised to rehabilitate the school during election campaigns. But once the polls were over, those promises vanished.
“This school has not been touched by government in years,” said Mr. Yakubu John, a youth leader.
“They come here during campaigns, stand in front of the broken buildings, and make promises. We have heard promises many times, but none has been fulfilled.”
Appeal for Urgent Intervention
The residents are now appealing directly to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to take swift action.
They want the school rebuilt, furnished, and provided with teachers and learning materials.
“SUBEB must not forget rural schools,” the community youth leader insisted.
“Every child deserves education, whether in Lokoja, Kabba, or Kpata Kpale. We are appealing to government, NGOs, and even private citizens—please come to our aid.”
A Symbol of Neglect
For now, the empty classrooms of Kpata Kpale Primary School stand as a symbol of neglect, a daily reminder to parents and children of opportunities lost. Where the sound of recitations once rang, silence now reigns.
But amid the despair, there remains a glimmer of hope. The people believe that if the government listens and acts swiftly, their children can return to school and reclaim their future.
As one elder put it:
“We cannot give up. We will continue to cry out until someone hears us. Because if this school dies, then the future of our children dies with it.”
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