Amid reports of large-scale government spending on luxury projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a cry for urgent attention has emerged from LEA Primary School Barwa, a neglected public school tucked behind Gosa Market along Airport Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

In a public appeal directed at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Ireti Kingibe, on Thursday, civic watchdog, MonITng, described the condition of the school?established in January 2005?as deplorable and unfit for learning.

"This is LEA Primary School Barwa, established in January 2005 behind Gosa Market along Airport Road in AMAC, stands as a stark symbol of neglect," MonITNG said.

According to the group, the situation has forced children to endure harsh conditions.

"Our children endure conditions unfit for learning. Primary One and Two pupils are crammed into a single, unsuitable classroom. When heavy rains fall?a frequent occurrence?the fragile structure fails completely," it said.

The impact on learning is dire. "Children are forced to scatter: some sent home, others huddled outside attempting lessons, while many simply stay away. This isn't education; it's abandonment," the statement added.

Among the most urgent demands are the renovation of classrooms, proper toilet facilities for both staff and students, and the reroofing of the headteacher?s office.

"The school cries out for urgent intervention: renovation of all existing classrooms, provision of proper toilets for staff and pupils, and reroofing of the Headteacher's office," the statement emphasised.

The call for help highlights the contrast between government spending on prestige projects and the squalid condition of public schools in underserved communities.

"These are basic necessities for a safe, dignified learning environment. Yet, despite UBEC's claim that ?250 billion was released to states and the FCT to upgrade public schools, Barwa Primary remains in a deplorable, inhumane state," it said.

In a particularly scathing comparison, the statement draws attention to recent government allocations: "The contrast is shameful?while our youngest citizens shiver in the rain or sit on broken floors, reports indicate the FCT Ministry spent ?39 billion renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC).

"How can such opulence be justified while children in underserved communities like Barwa are denied their fundamental right to basic infrastructure? This misplacement of priorities is a profound injustice."

The appeal ends with a passionate call to action: "We cannot stay silent. We urgently call on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, to act immediately! Declare a STATE OF EMERGENCY for public schools in rural communities across Abuja. Visit LEA Primary School Barwa. Witness the reality firsthand.

"Allocate resources NOW to rebuild this school and others languishing in disrepair. Our children's safety, dignity, and future cannot wait while billions are spent on vanity projects."

A recent SaharaReporters review of data published by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation showed that despite receiving ?66.7 billion as local government allocations between January 2024 and February 2025, schools in rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had continued to suffer from dilapidated structures and poor learning environments.

Data from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation reveals that between January 2024 and February 2025, the six Area Councils of the FCT received a steady inflow of funds. In January 2024, the allocation stood at ?4.8 billion, followed by ?4.4 billion in February, ?3.9 billion in March, ?5.2 billion in April, and ?3.7 billion in May. June saw an allocation of ?3.6 billion, while ?3.7 billion was recorded in July.

?4.8 billion was received in August, with ?3.9 billion and ?4.6 billion allocations recorded for September and October, respectively. The final quarter of 2024 showed significant disbursements??7.0 billion in November and ?7.1 billion in December. In 2025, the trend continued with ?4.5 billion in January and ?5.5 billion in February. (Sahara Reporters)

Update news