By OOlisemeka Obeche

The leadership of Umuoba Anam Community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has sounded an urgent warning over the deteriorating condition of the two-storey building housing students, teachers and the administration of Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, calling on government officials, public office holders and well-meaning individuals to intervene before disaster strikes.

The appeal followed an unscheduled inspection of the school on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the Education Committee of the Umuoba Anam Town Union.

The delegation, led by the President-General of the Umuoba Anam Town Union, Hon. Uchenna Anizor, alongside the President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Forum, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, toured the school facilities, interacted with the principal, teachers and students, and assessed what they described as the alarming state of the infrastructure.

According to the committee, deep cracks have appeared across the walls of the ageing two-storey structure, raising fears that it may not withstand another flooding season.

“We are appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Education, to urgently intervene. The condition of this building is frightening, and we fear it may not survive the coming flood season. The cracks on the walls are clear signs of structural distress,” the committee stated through the PG, Hon. Uchenna Anizor.

The community also appealed to the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr. Tony Nwoye; the member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Aniekwe; the member representing Anambra East State Constituency, Barr. Obi Nweke; and the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, to support the rehabilitation of the school.

Beyond government intervention, the community called on Umuoba Anam sons and daughters, age-grade associations, non-governmental organisations, corporate organisations and alumni of the institution to contribute financially or technically toward restoring the school’s infrastructure.

President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Forum, Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh, described the situation as a collective responsibility, urging residents to support the ongoing rescue effort in whatever capacity they can.

“We are not asking only for cash donations. Anyone can adopt a classroom, install doors and windows, provide whiteboards, repair the damaged roof or sponsor specific renovation projects. What matters is restoring a safe and conducive learning environment for our children,” he said.

Mmeh lamented that Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, currently has some of the poorest educational infrastructure in Anambra East Local Government Area.

“It is painful that our community school is in this condition. I believe our people have the capacity to restore it. I also encourage our age grades to make classroom renovation part of their annual community development projects,” he added.

A pioneer student of the school and member of the inspection committee, Mr. Elias Anizor, appealed to alumni of the institution to reconnect with their alma mater and help preserve its legacy.

“From the pioneer set of 1982 to the present day, we are calling on all old students to unite under the Old Students Association and contribute individually or collectively. Your alma mater deserves your support because your roots are here,” he said.

He noted that the two-storey building requires urgent structural reinforcement and comprehensive refurbishment to prevent further deterioration.

Speaking during the inspection, teacher Mr. Jude Onuorah identified inadequate science equipment, computer facilities and accommodation for teachers as additional challenges affecting learning outcomes.

According to him, the school currently lacks functional laptops required for computer-based examinations and science competitions after previously supplied devices were reportedly lost during the devastating 2012 flood disaster.

“Our students are disadvantaged because we do not have the digital tools required for many external examinations and STEM competitions. We urgently need computers, science equipment and other teaching aids,” he said.

He also revealed that the absence of decent accommodation has discouraged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from accepting postings to the school.

“Most corps members decline posting to this school because there is no safe and comfortable accommodation. That shortage has affected teaching capacity,” Onuorah added.

The Principal of the school, Mrs. Esther Emma-Nwakaeze, commended the Town Union Education Committee for drawing attention to the school’s condition and appealed to government agencies, philanthropists and development partners to support the rehabilitation effort.

The community leaders expressed hope that swift intervention would not only avert a potential structural collapse but also restore Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, to a safe and modern learning environment for present and future generations.