A report by a civic tech accountability organisation, Monitoring Initiative for Transparency in Governance (MonITNG), has exposed the dire learning conditions at Model Palace Primary School in Yauri, Kebbi State, where pupils are forced to learn sitting in flooded classrooms after a windstorm destroyed the school buildings.
In the report released on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, MonITNG described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” lamenting the state government’s neglect of the once-functional community school.
“At Model Palace Primary School in Yauri, Kebbi State, the situation is deeply disturbing,” the group stated.
“The entire blocks of classrooms have been destroyed by strong winds, leaving the structures in a deplorable condition.
“Roofs are leaking, walls are cracked, and what remains of the school environment is far from safe or conducive for learning.”
The organisation said the school has become nearly uninhabitable for both pupils and teachers, particularly during the rainy season.
“Whenever it rains, the classrooms are completely flooded, forcing pupils to stay home rather than risk sitting in waterlogged and damaged rooms,” the report added.
“This has led to a decline in attendance, as many children have stopped coming to school altogether.”
The report criticised the Kebbi State Government’s recent N1.4 billion approval for school furniture procurement, arguing that such interventions are meaningless without structural repairs.
“Education, which should be a source of hope and opportunity, has now become a struggle for survival for these young learners.
“It’s disheartening that while the Kebbi State Government recently approved N1.4 billion for the provision of assorted furniture, the classrooms in places like Model Palace Primary School remain in ruins,” MonITNG said.
The organization questioned, “How can you provide new furniture when the classrooms themselves are in terrible shape, without proper roofing, flooring, or walls?”
“Placing furniture in such a broken environment is like pouring water into a basket, wasteful and unsustainable,” MonITNG noted.
The organisation urged immediate government intervention to rebuild and rehabilitate the school before investing in furniture and other non-structural needs.
“This situation calls for urgent action. The Kebbi State government must prioritise the renovation and rebuilding of these dilapidated classrooms before thinking of providing furniture,” MonITNG said.
“Pupils need safe, dry, and functional learning spaces before they can sit on desks or use chairs.
“It is the responsibility of government authorities to ensure that every child learns in an environment that inspires hope, not despair.”
Model Palace Primary School’s plight mirrors a larger trend across rural Nigeria, where thousands of public schools remain in dilapidated conditions due to neglect, poor maintenance, and the aftermath of natural disasters.
“We call on the Kebbi State Government, the Ministry of Education, and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene,” MonITNG stated.
The organisation stressed, “Education is the foundation of any prosperous society, and allowing children to learn under such harsh and unsafe conditions undermines that future.
“The time to act is now. Fix the classrooms. Provide the desks and chairs. Restore hope for the pupils of Model Palace Primary School, Yauri. No child deserves to learn in ruins.”