Anambra School Appeals to Governor Soludo for Rebuilding Classrooms Damaged by Fire

By Praise Chinecherem

Stakeholders at Practicing School Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State have urgently appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for assistance in addressing the dire state of their school.

Since the classroom blocks were destroyed in a fire in December 2024, the school has faced significant neglect from successive governments. Community members are calling for immediate action for the reconstruction of the damaged facilities.

During a recent Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting, Mrs. Aisha Edward Maduagwu, a concerned parent and Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu, highlighted the ongoing disregard for the school’s situation. She expressed distress that the cause of the fire remains unknown and criticized politicians who leveraged the tragedy for publicity without providing tangible support.

Maduagwu stated, “It is disheartening to see politicians visiting the site with media teams, promising aid that never materializes. Their actions are insensitive and only serve to further harm our community.”

She emphasized the adverse impact the school’s conditions might have on children, particularly those with health challenges like sickle cell disease, especially during the rainy season.

Rev. Father Elias Obikwelu, the School Manager, reassured attendees that efforts are underway to attract government attention to the school’s conditions. He has attempted to engage with Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi, the local representative, to initiate repair works, but progress has been slow, resulting in vandalism of the remaining structures.

Headmistress Mrs. Eucheria Evwuonwu noted that the school’s affiliation with Anambra State and Awka Catholic Diocese complicates their ability to communicate effectively with relevant authorities. She reported a significant decline in enrollment, with the number of pupils dropping from 400 to 200 due to the current circumstances.

Mr. Bede Obidigbo, Chairman of the PTA, voiced concerns that the lack of a conducive learning environment is affecting students’ educational experience. He called for immediate intervention from the government and influential community members to rehabilitate the affected classrooms.