From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, Anthony Ademu Adaji, has lambasted the Kogi State government for the decay in public primary and secondary schools, where students sit on bare floors to learn and write exams despite substantial monthly allocations.
Speaking at a Chrism Mass on April 27 at Saint Boniface Cathedral, Idah, to commemorate the institution of the Catholic priesthood, Bishop Adaji accused the government of using propaganda to mask the crisis.
Adaji highlighted the lack of teachers and instructional materials, with some pupils studying under trees. He called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to address the challenges, particularly in Kogi East, where he claimed less than 10% of public schools function.
“You cannot get 5% functional public schools in Kogi East, yet billions of naira are budgeted for education yearly,” he stated. “If you visit some government schools in Kogi East, you will weep.”
The bishop criticised the government for showcasing urban schools to misrepresent conditions in rural areas, where most Kogites reside.
He urged Ododo to prioritise education and infrastructure alongside regular salary payments, warning, “Governor Ododo should do the needful before it is too late.”