By Adadareporters
Hon. Harrison Ogara, a distinguished member representing Igbo-Eze South State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, has embarked on a mission to revitalize primary education in the constituency. Faced with dilapidated school infrastructure and a severe shortage of desks, Hon. Ogara’s proactive approach is currently serving as a beacon of hope for the young learners in the region.
The deplorable conditions of primary school facilities in Igbo-Eze South are alarming. Several school blocks have collapsed, leaving many classrooms in ruins. Where structures still stand, the lack of adequate seats has forced pupils to resort to sitting on the bare floor during lessons. This not only exposes them to health risks but also hampers the effectiveness of their education due to the unconducive learning environment.
Recognizing the critical role of education in achieving sustainable development goals and combating poverty, Hon. Ogara has taken it upon himself to address these challenges head-on. With statistics revealing that 26 out of 45 primary schools in the local government lack sufficient desks, leaving students to struggle with substandard learning conditions, Hon. Ogara’s intervention is timely and impactful.
His plan to provide 10,000 desks to primary schools across Igbo-Eze South is a testament to his commitment to improving educational standards. Starting with the distribution of the first batch of 50 desks, which he personally purchased, Hon. Ogara’s actions speak volumes about his dedication to serving his constituents and uplifting their educational prospects.
The selected schools that benefited from this initiative are Community Primary School, Alor Agu; Community Primary School, Unadu; Community Primary School, Eburummiri, Ibagwa Aka; Okanobara Primary School, Iheakpu Awka; and Community Primary School, Uhunowere. The impact of these desks goes beyond providing a physical space to sit; they serve as a morale booster for students, instilling in them a sense of dignity and pride in their learning environment.
In his advocacy for federal government support for primary education, Hon. Ogara emphasizes the foundational role that primary schools play in shaping a nation’s future. He said an educated community is less prone to crimes, highlighting the importance of investing in quality education from the grass-roots level.
The commendations poured in from local government officials and education stakeholders speak volumes about the significance of Hon. Ogara’s initiative. The head of Personnel Management in the local government, Gloria Ozioko, lauded Hon. Ogara’s dedication to his constituents’ welfare, noting that his actions have reignited political interest and demonstrated effective leadership.
Similarly, the education secretary of Igbo-Eze South Local Education Authority, Hon. Jude-Mary Ugwu, praised Hon. Ogara’s unprecedented support for education, labeling it a remarkable legacy that sets a benchmark for other political leaders. He stressed the need for more interventions, as 80% of schools in the local government still lack adequate learning desks, severely impacting teaching and learning outcomes.
The testimonials from school administrators like Edith Ogara and Nwakaego Onah underscore the dire need for continued support in improving infrastructure and resources for primary education.
Edith Ogara, the head teacher of Community Primary School, Unadu, expressed gratitude for Hon. Ogara’s intervention, emphasizing that education is every child’s birthright and should not be compromised due to infrastructure deficits.
