Guber Poll: Anambra Students Back Soludo’s Re-election, Demand Continuity

By Ukpa Ewa

As Anambra State prepares for the November 8, 2025 governorship election, an unusual voice has joined the political conversation that of secondary school students. Their collective message is clear: continue good governance, fix our schools and protect our future.

The students spoke in Awka during an interactive session to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Line of Crisis.”
The event was organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, to amplify the voices of young girls and prepare them to take up leadership roles.

Students Call for Educational Reforms and Continuity in Governance
Many of the students commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s education focused policies including free education for basic and junior secondary levels, recruitment of teachers, and improved school infrastructure. However, they also expressed the need for greater investment in facilities and welfare.

From Community Secondary School, Okpuno, Juliet Okafor, an SS3 student, highlighted the challenges still facing many public schools.

“Our chemistry lab has no materials for practicals and the library has no shelves. The next governor should visit schools and fix these problems so students can learn well,” she said.

She also appealed for an end to street trading around UNIZIK Junction, noting that “children hawk during school hours, which is unsafe.”

At State Model Secondary School, Iyiagu Phase II, Awka, Anastasia Akuma emphasized continuity in governance.

“Governor Soludo has done well with free education and his love for children, but the next governor should continue from there. We need school buses, security men and proper drainage because our school gets flooded when it rains,” she explained.

From Gold Seal International College, Christabel Chikelu called for improvement in infrastructure and teachers welfare.

“Fix the roads, provide better electricity, water and reduce school fees, especially in private schools, so poor children can learn. Teachers and civil servants should be better paid,” she urged.

At Capital City Secondary School, Awka, Faith Nwachukwu added:

“He is doing well, but we want more, better infrastructure, roads, electricity and school development.”

Other students who spoke including Ujunwa Nworie of Kenneth Dike Memorial Secondary School, Kenechukwu Marvelous of Girls Secondary School, Awka and Uchechi Marvelous of Union Secondary School, Amawbia all echoed similar opinion.
They appealed for more scholarships, learning materials and support for underprivileged children.

According to data from the Anambra State Ministry of Education over 5,000 teachers have been recruited and more than 200 schools rehabilitated under Gov. Soludo administration indicating progress as the students said and should be maintained moreso expanded.

‘Women Are Nation Builders’ – Prof. Okunna
In her brief remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Paul University Awka, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, spoke passionately about gender equality and empowerment.

“Our culture still believes men are superior but that’s their business. Women are nation builders. You must believe in yourself and build confidence to succeed,” she told the students.

Prof. Okunna urged the girls to prioritize education over early marriage, warning that rushing into marriage could limit their potential and future opportunities.

NAWOJ’s Mission: Giving Girls a Voice
Earlier in her welcome address, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, Chairperson of NAWOJ, Anambra State Chapter, said the annual commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child provides a platform for young girls to express themselves and prepare for leadership.

“Every October 11 we celebrate the girl child globally. This year’s theme speaks to courage and change. We want our girls to have the confidence to lead, especially in the South-East where culture still limits them,” she said.

She explained that the programme focused on leadership, personal safety, and crisis management designed to build the confidence of young girls to engage in civic issues if concern to them.

A Civic Awakening Among Students
The students engagement at the event reflects a growing civic awareness among young people in Anambra State calling for educational reform, infrastructure development and continuity in governance highlighting not only their understanding of governance but also their desire to participate in shaping their future.

As the state heads to the polls, their message stands out as a reminder that good governance and quality education remain inseparable pillars of progress.