Date: March 29, 2026 l Reporter: Mr Victor
Hundreds of pupils in Jigawa State are reportedly receiving education in what has been described as a “death trap” school, as years of neglect and poor infrastructure continue to endanger the lives of children and teachers.
According to findings from a civic accountability group, more than 300 pupils at a community primary school in Ayama, Auyo Local Government Area, are learning in severely deteriorated structures that pose serious safety risks.
The report described the condition of the school as alarming, with classrooms characterized by cracked walls, weak foundations, damaged floors, and partially collapsed roofs. Some buildings were said to be so unsafe that they could collapse at any time, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Despite the dangerous environment, pupils continue to attend classes daily, sitting in poorly ventilated rooms and, in many cases, directly on bare floors due to a lack of desks and chairs.
Community members revealed that the situation has persisted for years, with repeated appeals to the Jigawa State government under Governor Umar Namadi yielding little or no meaningful intervention. Residents have resorted to using personal funds to carry out minor repairs, but these efforts have been insufficient to address the scale of the deterioration.
The report also highlighted overcrowding as a major concern, noting that limited classroom space and inadequate facilities have forced pupils into unsafe learning conditions, further affecting the quality of education.
Education stakeholders have warned that such conditions not only pose immediate physical dangers but could also have long-term effects on students’ academic performance and overall well-being. There are growing concerns that the poor state of infrastructure may contribute to declining school attendance and increased dropout rates in the community.
Advocacy groups have called on the government to take urgent action by reconstructing damaged classrooms, providing adequate furniture, and ensuring access to basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation facilities. They stressed that every child deserves a safe and dignified environment for learning.
The situation in Ayama reflects broader challenges facing public education in rural Nigeria, where inadequate funding, poor maintenance, and weak oversight continue to leave many schools in critical condition.
As pressure mounts on authorities to act, residents and stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention to prevent potential tragedy and secure a safer future for the affected pupils.