A civic accountability group, MonITNG, has sounded the alarm over the deplorable state of Kulu Koji Primary School in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where a recent storm destroyed the school’s structure, leaving more than 100 pupils stranded and unable to continue their education.
In a message directed to Governor Nasir Idris on Tuesday, the organisation described the situation as “heartbreaking,” stressing that the community has effectively been denied access to basic education.
“We tracked the state of Kulu Koji Primary School in Jega LGA, Kebbi State, and what we found is heartbreaking,” the group stated.
“This is the only primary school in the community, yet as we speak, there is no longer access to basic education for children here. After a heavy downpour and windstorm blew away the entire school structure, pupils have been forced to stop going to school. Over a hundred children are now completely out of classrooms, their right to education denied.”
According to the statement, the last renovation at the school was in 2014 under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Since then, no significant intervention has been made, despite the school’s collapse.
“The administration of former Governor Bagudu failed to prioritize its rehabilitation after the storm, and the current government under Governor Nasir Idris has also not taken action, despite ongoing renovations in other parts of the state. Sadly, this community has been completely left behind,” it said.
The group also referenced UBEC’s disbursement of funds, lamenting that Kebbi State has failed to address the plight of Kulu Koji despite accessing federal allocations.
“UBEC Nigeria had claimed that ₦250 billion was disbursed across 36 states, with 27 states accessing N121 billion of that amount. Yet, Kebbi State has failed to channel resources towards rescuing this school. When citizens point to infrastructure decay, it is not an attempt to witch-hunt government, but a way to highlight areas crying for urgent attention,” it said.
The statement further criticized the government’s spending priorities.
“It is disturbing that a state which spends billions on projects like refrigerators cannot prioritize the education of its children. Education and health should be the foundation of governance, not afterthoughts. Citizens should never be hunted or silenced when they demand empowerment through quality schools and functional health systems,” MonITNG said.
The group noted that Kebbi State has repeatedly been ranked among states with the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a situation worsened by the abandonment of Kulu Koji Primary School.
“Allowing Kulu Koji Primary School to collapse without replacement is worsening this crisis. Billions budgeted yearly for education must work for the entire state, not just selected LGAs,” it said.
“Today, the school stands with crumbling walls, a blown-off roof, and no safe space for children to learn. This is a direct denial of their future. Over a hundred children are now trapped in hopelessness because the system has failed them.”
The group urged the state governor to intervene urgently.
“This should not be seen as opposition sabotage but as a genuine call for action to restore hope and dignity to the children of this community. The time to act is now,” it said.
