Pupils of Muhammad Tambari Model Primary School in Maradun North, Zamfara State, are learning on bare floors in classrooms with collapsing ceilings, despite billions of naira allocated to the education sector by the state government.
According to civic technology platform Monitng, this situation reflects a disturbing level of neglect in Zamfara’s basic education system and shows how public funds meant for schools are not being properly used to improve learning conditions.
In a statement addressed to Governor Dauda Lawal, the group said it was deeply concerned about the worsening condition of public schools in the state.
“Dear Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, we are deeply concerned by the deplorable state of Muhammad Tambari Model Primary School in Maradun North, Maradun LGA, Zamfara State,” Monitng said.
The group explained that during its visit to the school, it discovered pupils studying without chairs or desks, and in classrooms that pose safety risks to the children.
“During our visit, we saw pupils forced to sit on bare floors in classrooms where the ceiling boards are about to collapse, surrounded by broken chairs. Some classrooms had no desks or chairs at all, leaving children to learn in heartbreaking and unsafe conditions.”
Monitng expressed dismay that this was happening in a state that continues to receive billions of naira in federal education grants through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
“This is happening in a state that has budgeted billions of naira for education and continues to receive billions from UBEC. Sadly, these funds are not being properly utilised to improve the lives of schoolchildren.”
The organisation lamented that, instead of putting these resources to good use, the government has left pupils to study in buildings that are unsafe and unfit for learning.
“Instead, pupils are left to struggle in dilapidated structures, denied the basic tools required for effective learning. Education is supposed to be the foundation of development, yet what we are witnessing in Zamfara State paints a picture of neglect and misplaced priorities.”
Monitng recalled that the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB) Chairman, Professor Nasir Garba Anka, once blamed the absence of desks in another public school on vandalism by residents, questioning what excuse the authorities would give in this case.
“The Chairman of ZSUBEB, Prof Nasir Garba Anka, previously claimed that the absence of desks and chairs in UBE Low-Cost Primary School was due to vandalism by residents. He went further to order the arrest of the head teacher and security guard. If that was his explanation in Gusau, then what excuse will Zamfara State Government and UBEC give for the terrible condition of Muhammad Tambari MPS in Maradun North? Who will be held accountable for the failure here?”
The group noted that the Maradun case is not an isolated one but part of a larger crisis affecting schools across the state.
“From our findings across local governments we have visited in Zamfara, this case is not isolated. Similar conditions of poor infrastructure, lack of desks, and unsafe classrooms exist across many primary and secondary schools. This points to a systemic failure in managing resources meant for the education sector. The children of Zamfara deserve better.”
Monitng called for immediate rehabilitation of dilapidated schools across Zamfara and demanded that the government declare a state of emergency in education.
“We are calling for the urgent rehabilitation of Muhammad Tambari MPS and other schools in similar states of decay. Every child has the right to sit on a desk, learn under a safe roof, and access quality education. We are also advocating for the Zamfara State Government to declare a total state of emergency in education and commit to delivering real change.”
The group concluded by urging the government to prioritise the welfare of schoolchildren and invest properly in their future.
“The government must rise to its responsibility and invest in the future of its children. Anything less is a betrayal of the next generation.”