Abandoned and Exposed: The Plight of LGEA Primary School Sankwab Runji

By Usman Bokoko

In the rural community of Sankwab Runji, Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, the LGEA Primary School stands as a testament to neglect and determination. Despite its crumbling infrastructure, the school remains a beacon of hope for the approximately 200 pupils who attend classes there.

The school’s classrooms are in a deplorable state, with broken walls and partially collapsed structures. During the rainy season, water floods the classrooms, while in the dry season, cold winds whip through the exposed spaces, making learning a significant challenge.

According to Mr. Bitrus Magaji, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, the school has only four teachers who have been making extraordinary efforts to ensure learning continues. Despite the community’s efforts to contribute financially and through community service, the school’s infrastructure remains in disrepair.

The community has resorted to using tree shades to conduct some classes, but these temporary fixes are far from adequate. Some parents have been forced to transfer their children to nearby public or private schools.

Youth Leader Mr. Livinus Achi and parent Mr. Joseph Bitrus expressed frustration over the situation, calling on the state government and local government chairman, Engineer Bege Joseph, to intervene.

“We have been engaging in community service, collecting tokens from each family to repair the school, but after some months, another part of the structure collapses, making the situation worse. That’s why we’re calling on our governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the local government chairman to come to our aid,” said Mr. Achi.

The school was established in 1992, with the government building a two-classroom block and the principal’s office. However, all other classes were built through community efforts.

The parents believe that with government intervention, the resilience of the students, and the dedication of their teachers, the school can be transformed, enabling the children to achieve their future dreams.

The plight of LGEA Primary School Sankwab Runji serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in access to quality education in rural areas. It also highlights the strength of communities that refuse to let adversity stand in the way of their children’s futures.