NAN-H-67
Learning
Abakaliki, Feb. 7, 2018 (NAN) Some students of the Special School for the Blind, Opefia in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi have called for government assistance to improve learning environment of the school.
The students told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Opefia on Wednesday that the school was not conducive enough for learning and called for government attention.
Mr Christian Anyigor, a visually impaired student in the senior secondary section said that the school library was unequipped while the school compound lacked perimeter fencing.
Anyigor said the situation posed a great danger to both teachers and students thereby making the school vulnerable to any form of attack.
“We also lack modern text books, writing materials, computer facilities with brail and even a vehicle to convey students to participate in some academic competitions outside the institution.
“We appeal to both state and Federal governments to come to our aid by providing us with these facilities to enable us have a sense of belonging,’’ Anyigor said.
Master Obinna Agbo and Miss Favour Onele, SS 3 and JSS 3 students respectively who affirmed the challenges also called for more teachers to enable them perform creditably in their academics.
According to them, the school is yet to receive the desired attention from the state government.
Agbo also frowned at incessant power outages in the school which made the students to go outside the school premises to charge their tape recorders and other appliances.
“We have received some food items from the government but that is not enough. So we are appealing for assistance to improve their welfare,’’ he said.
Mr John Omaruah, the Headmaster of the primary section said that the school did not have enough teachers in computer and typing sections, adding that more hands were needed to improve the students learning ability.
Omaruah listed Brail papers, typing sheets and boards, tape recorders and modern skills in craft making among other materials as other needs of the school.
“Perfect modern craft tutor with skills and staff in typing section are needed urgently.
“This is why we want government to provide us with basic materials for effective teaching and learning,’’ Omaruah said.
Meanwhile, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chairman, Ebonyi Universal Education Board (UBEB), told NAN that both state and Federal Governments through the board office had been providing the students with some basic requirements including 50 seats.
Ikpor said that the school would be fenced bit by bit due to paucity of funds while other educational materials would also be supplied to them.
On teaching personnel mentioned by the students, the chairman said that efforts were being made to replace retired teachers in the school.
He also said that assurance of providing electricity would not be given but rather generating sets could be made available.
Ikpor commended the state and federal governments for their efforts towards improving the school in spite of paucity of funds. (NAN)
UVU/GOM/MNA/
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Maureen Atuonwu
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