Education: A Mirror of Society: May 2015

Packed Lecture Halls in Nigerian Universities: Are We There Yet?

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXIisWVZNRQRhRGfdEBVCvf3NRHIoqWJXHvgGtlkit1wDC1CBe2JwSf6Ies5O9OY8KgLfWwxBiCpxLAB62Zo9cuSqfM1M84nJ1_LY0Hum6K-6pcNjY3Q05pjTAvOYWwPwFQ-ai2HTXn8/s1600/2426400_lectureroom_jpeg9bf332057c33766ccdd0b2c912b8a63d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="packed class rooms and lecture in Nigeria universities" border="0" height="300" loading="lazy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXIisWVZNRQRhRGfdEBVCvf3NRHIoqWJXHvgGtlkit1wDC1CBe2JwSf6Ies5O9OY8KgLfWwxBiCpxLAB62Zo9cuSqfM1M84nJ1_LY0Hum6K-6pcNjY3Q05pjTAvOYWwPwFQ-ai2HTXn8/s400/2426400_lectureroom_jpeg9bf332057c33766ccdd0b2c912b8a63d.jpg" title="University of Jos packed lecture hall" width="400" /></a></div>
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<blockquote><p><strong>Editorial note:</strong> This photograph circulated online as a lecture hall at the University of Jos. Its exact location was not independently verified in the original post. Nevertheless, the reactions it generated reflected a familiar problem in many Nigerian public universities: overcrowded lecture halls and inadequate facilities.</p></blockquote><h2>The Photograph That Sparked a Discussion</h2><p>This is the picture that sparked reactions from visitors to Nairaland Forum, a popular Nigerian online discussion platform.</p><p>The photograph was allegedly taken at the University of Jos, and it shows a packed lecture hall, with several students sitting on the floor—at a university!</p><p>Surprisingly, not many contributors to the discussion expressed shock. Some even believed the picture was not worthy of discussion because such conditions were common in public institutions across the country.</p><p>Barely any public institution appeared immune to such a condition. It was an age-long problem and a plague from which many institutions suffered.</p><p>Could this truly be the condition in many institutions, as claimed?</p><h2>Students Share Similar Experiences</h2><p>Some contributors agreed, citing their own universities as examples:</p><blockquote><p>“This is even small. Come LAUTECH, you go see more than that.”<br />—Saxwizard</p></blockquote><p>The contributor above claimed that the situation at his university, LAUTECH, was even worse and that what was shown in the picture was relatively fair.</p><p>Another contributor, Stinggy, strongly agreed:</p><blockquote><p>“Very true! I can remember CHM 222 lecture in 1,200 LT. You wouldn’t even have the space to snap this picture. Crazy school.”</p></blockquote><p>Other contributors followed the same line. Osahon7 believed that the situation at the University of Port Harcourt was even worse:</p><blockquote><p>“Go to MBA 1 in Uniport—you never see anything.”</p></blockquote><p>Another wrote:</p><blockquote><p>“This situation is not new. It is common in most state and federal universities. It is a pity, though.”</p></blockquote><p>Other comments included:</p><blockquote><p>“Reminds me of Workshop 3 in FUTO during my time.”</p></blockquote><p>And:</p><blockquote><p>“So true. When eight departments in the college had to stay in NSLT 1 for lectures. Year One was crazy.”</p></blockquote><h2>A Common Problem</h2><p>From the comments on the topic, several universities were represented, and the experiences shared were similar.</p><p>The unfortunate conclusion was that overcrowded lecture halls were not peculiar to the University of Jos. They appeared to be common across many public universities.</p><p>Students sitting on the floor or standing outside lecture halls cannot be expected to learn effectively. Those at the back may not hear the lecturer, see the board or participate properly in the lesson.</p><p>The problem also places lecturers under pressure. A lecture hall designed for a few hundred students may be expected to accommodate far more than its capacity.</p><p>The nation’s universities are simply not there yet.</p><p>How do we catch up with the rest of the world with institutions like this?</p><p><em>You can follow the rest of the original discussion </em><a href="http://www.nairaland.com/2323629/sad-lecture-room-184-university/1" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">here</a><em>.</em></p><h2>Update: July 2026</h2><p>The concerns raised by the photograph have not completely disappeared.</p><p>Recent reports and studies still identify overcrowded lecture halls, inadequate infrastructure and poor student-to-lecturer ratios as problems affecting teaching and learning in Nigerian public universities. The National Universities Commission has also acknowledged that inadequate funding affects the ability of universities to provide quality education and maintain appropriate facilities.</p><p>The establishment of more universities may improve access, but admitting more students without expanding lecture halls, laboratories, libraries and teaching staff only transfers the problem from the admission gate to the classroom.</p>
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Packed Lecture Halls in Nigerian Universities: Are We There Yet?

Editorial note: This photograph circulated online as a lecture hall at the University of Jos. Its exact location was not independent...

Gombe State Had 4000 More Teachers in 4 Years.

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<img alt="Gombe state Nigeria" loading="lazy" 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" title="Gombe in map" /><img alt="Gombe state emblem " height="200" loading="lazy" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDClMJErdIfOf0P3C77kvtbj3bd791M9qSNJItVHIeH3M2qpIj" title="Gombe State " width="200" /></div>
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The Gombe State Government on Monday said it recruited 4000 teachers to boost the staff strength of primary and senior secondary schools in the last four years.
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The state Commissioner for Education,Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN in Gombe. Ahmed said that 2,000 recruited graduate teachers were deployed to senior secondary schools and the remaining 2,000 were sent to primary schools.
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She said the state government had at its inception in 2011, saw the shortage of teachers in senior secondary schools as a challenge and promised to fill the gaps. The commissioner said the state government had procured 2,327 desktops and laptops computers for use in secondary schools.
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She said the computers were distributed to selected centres for JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) and also for e-learning in 16 senior secondary schools and Science an Technical Colleges that have so far benefited from the gesture.
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"The schools which are yet to benefit will benefit in due course because all our schools must be e-compliant," she said. According to her, the state government has approved the reintroduction of mock examinations in secondary schools to enhance students' academic performance.
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"Henceforth all SS11 students must pass the examination before proceeding to their final year. "In addition, selection examination into the new government science and technical colleges will henceforth be conducted as a matter of policy."</div>
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Gombe State Had 4000 More Teachers in 4 Years.

The Gombe State Government on Monday said it recruited 4000 teachers to boost the staff strength of primary and senior secondary sch...

OAU July 10, 1999 Cult Attack: What Happened and Why It Still Matters

<div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Editorial note:</strong> This article examines the cult attack at Obafemi Awolowo University on 10 July 1999. It was originally published on Akomst Education in May 2015 and has now been substantially reviewed for accuracy, clarity and proper attribution. Published accounts differ on some details, including the precise sequence of events and the spelling of certain names. Allegations that were not conclusively established in court are identified as allegations rather than facts.</span></p><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="cultism nigeria" height="234" loading="lazy" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSLMDOE7C6H7uhvJ-6sCl-uXtwj5whBjLeUbe8Hk4eawBxUyxt_A" title="Cultism" width="400" /></div><p></p></blockquote><p>In the early hours of 10 July 1999, armed attackers invaded Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, killing five students and injuring several others. The incident, commonly remembered as the <strong>OAU July 10 massacre</strong>, became one of the most disturbing cases of cult-related violence in the history of Nigerian higher education.</p><p>Among those killed was George Yemi Iwilade, popularly known as <strong>Afrika</strong>, a 400-level Law student and Secretary-General of the OAU Students’ Union. The other victims were Babatunde Oke, commonly called Tunde Oke; Efe Ekede; Eviano Ekelemu; and Yemi Ajiteru. Some published accounts use slightly different spellings of these names.</p><p>The attack was not simply an isolated confrontation between rival student groups. Accounts from former student leaders, university administrators, journalists and campaign organisations suggest that it occurred against a background of tension involving campus cultism, student activism, university administration and unresolved disagreements following an earlier arrest of suspected cult members.</p><h2>Events Leading to the Attack</h2><p>An important event took place on 7 March 1999, approximately four months before the massacre.</p><p>According to the account later published by Professor Roger Makanjuola, who subsequently became Vice-Chancellor of OAU, members of the Students’ Union received information that suspected members of a secret cult were gathered at a residence in the university’s senior staff quarters.</p><p>Student leaders, reportedly led by George Iwilade, went to the location and found nine individuals, eight of whom were said to be OAU students. Weapons and items associated with a cult group were allegedly recovered from the premises. The items were reported to include a submachine gun, a locally manufactured firearm, an axe, a bayonet and black clothing believed to be cult regalia.</p><p>The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the police. However, the prosecution ended quickly. The suspects were discharged and acquitted by a magistrate on 31 March 1999 after the investigating officer informed the court that the complainants and witnesses could not be located.</p><p>Student witnesses who had participated in the arrest were reportedly not called to testify. Published accounts also state that some of the physical evidence was ordered to be destroyed, making any later attempt to reopen the case much more difficult.</p><p>The outcome caused considerable anger among students. Student leaders believed that the university authorities and law-enforcement agencies had failed to deal firmly with the suspected cult members. The return of some of the accused individuals to the university further increased tension on the campus.</p><p>The exact relationship between the March incident and the July attack has never been conclusively determined in court. Nevertheless, several accounts suggest that the events of 7 March may have provided a motive for targeting student leaders involved in the arrest.</p><h2>What Happened on the Morning of 10 July 1999?</h2><p>On the night of 9 July 1999, students participated in social activities around the halls of residence. Members of the Kegites Club, Man O’ War and other student groups reportedly gathered in an open area between Angola and Mozambique halls. Some later moved towards the cafeteria in Awolowo Hall, while others returned to their rooms.</p><p>Published accounts differ on the precise time of the attack. Some place it between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m., while others report that it occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. They also differ on the exact number of attackers, with estimates generally ranging from more than 20 to approximately 40.</p><p>The attackers reportedly entered the university through the main gate, left their vehicles around the sports centre and proceeded on foot towards Awolowo Hall. They were armed with guns, axes and cutlasses and wore dark clothing, according to survivor accounts.</p><p>The attackers opened fire around Awolowo Hall, causing students to flee in panic. Some of the injuries recorded that morning resulted from gunshots, while others occurred during the stampede as students attempted to escape.</p><p>Evidence from survivor accounts indicates that the attack was at least partly directed at prominent members of the Students’ Union and other student organisations.</p><p>Witnesses reported hearing the attackers calling out names and nicknames, including:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Legacy</strong>, the nickname of Students’ Union President Lanre Adeleke;</p></li><li><p><strong>Afrika</strong>, the nickname of Secretary-General George Iwilade; and</p></li><li><p><strong>Dexter</strong>, who was associated with the Kegites Club.</p></li></ul><p>Lanre Adeleke escaped after hearing gunshots and leaving his room before the attackers reached him. In a later interview, he explained that the attackers continued searching for him and returned to places where they believed he might be hiding.</p><p>George Iwilade was found in his room and killed. His involvement in the March arrest of suspected cult members has frequently been presented as a possible reason he was deliberately targeted.</p><h2>The Five Students Who Were Killed</h2><p>The five students who died in the attack are now commonly remembered as the <strong>OAU Five</strong>.</p><h3>George Yemi Iwilade — Afrika</h3><p>George Iwilade was a 400-level Law student and Secretary-General of the Students’ Union. He was widely known as Afrika and was actively involved in student campaigns against cultism and policies considered harmful to students.</p><p>He had reportedly participated in the apprehension of the suspected cult members in March 1999. Available accounts suggest that he was one of the principal targets of the July attack.</p><h3>Babatunde Oke — Tunde Oke</h3><p>Babatunde Oke was a 100-level Philosophy student. He was found alive after being shot but reportedly died during emergency medical treatment.</p><h3>Efe Ekede</h3><p>Efe Ekede was a Psychology student. He was killed in Awolowo Hall during the movement of the attackers from room to room.</p><p>Some early reports and retellings use different versions of his name. The spelling “Efe Ekede” is used in later commemorative reports and accounts of the OAU Five.</p><h3>Yemi Ajiteru</h3><p>Yemi Ajiteru was shot around the section of Awolowo Hall associated with the Kegites Club. Some accounts describe him as a Religious Studies student who was approaching the completion of his programme.</p><h3>Eviano Ekelemu</h3><p>Eviano Ekelemu was a medical student. According to Lanre Adeleke’s later account, the attackers encountered him at Fajuyi Hall as they were leaving the area. He apparently came out without realising that armed attackers were nearby and was shot.</p><p>Four of the students were reportedly dead when they reached the university health facilities, while Babatunde Oke died during treatment.</p><h2>Escape of the Attackers</h2><p>After attacking students in Awolowo and Fajuyi halls, the armed group reportedly returned through a bush path towards the vehicles they had left near the sports centre.</p><p>Some accounts state that they also went to the Students’ Union building and damaged or ransacked parts of it before leaving the university.</p><p>The university’s security personnel were unable to stop them. The ease with which such a large armed group entered the campus, moved between halls and left without immediate interception subsequently raised serious questions about the institution’s security arrangements.</p><h2>Immediate Response by Students</h2><p>The attack created fear, anger and confusion throughout the university. However, the Students’ Union leadership quickly mobilised students and organised an emergency assembly.</p><p>Students demanded the removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wale Omole, whom they accused of failing to take effective action against cultism. They also searched locations in and outside Ile-Ife where they believed those responsible might be found.</p><p>Several suspected individuals were apprehended by students. However, some were beaten and subjected to violent interrogation. One person, Aisekhaghe Aikhile, reportedly died during this process.</p><p>Although the students’ anger was understandable, this aspect of the aftermath also demonstrates the danger of replacing lawful investigation with mob action. Torture and violent interrogation can cause further loss of life, destroy evidence, produce unreliable statements and undermine subsequent prosecution.</p><p>The appropriate response to a crime of this nature should involve the preservation of evidence, protection of witnesses and an independent professional investigation.</p><h2>Suspension of the Vice-Chancellor</h2><p>Professor Wale Omole was outside the country on the day of the attack. After returning, he was reportedly summoned to Abuja to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.</p><p>The Federal Government subsequently announced his suspension. Professor Roger Makanjuola was appointed to lead the university shortly afterwards and promised to assist efforts to bring those responsible to justice.</p><p>Makanjuola later stated that the university formally reported the murders to the police and provided information and logistical assistance intended to help locate important suspects.</p><h2>Investigation and Judicial Commission</h2><p>Several people were arrested and charged following the massacre. However, many of the individuals suspected of involvement could not be located.</p><p>The Federal Government also established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Okoi Itam. Other members included respected academics, administrators and journalists.</p><p>The commission began its work in late 1999 and submitted its report in February 2000. The Federal Government later adopted the report and issued a white paper.</p><p>According to published summaries, the commission expressed the belief that seven individuals had participated in the killings. It also recommended further investigation of several other people, including some of those connected with the March 1999 incident.</p><p>The panel criticised the police investigation and recommended that the Inspector-General of Police establish a special task force to conduct a more thorough investigation.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Individuals Named During the Investigation</h2><p data-end="3251" data-start="2907">Published summaries of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry’s report identified several individuals whom the commission believed had participated in the attack. Among those named was <strong data-end="3126" data-start="3088">Frank Idahosa, also known as Efosa</strong>. Other names reported in accounts of the commission’s findings included Kazeem Bello, also known as Kato, and Didi Yuletide.</p><p>

</p><p data-end="3520" data-start="3253">These findings should not be confused with criminal convictions. Although arrests and court proceedings followed the massacre, the criminal case eventually ended after the court upheld a no-case submission. No one was convicted of the murder of the five OAU students.</p><h2>Court Proceedings and the Continuing Search for Justice</h2><p>The murder case eventually proceeded before the Osun State High Court. Proceedings began in April 2001, but the case suffered repeated adjournments and delays.</p><p>In 2002, the court upheld a no-case submission made by the defence. The accused persons before the court were released after the judge concluded that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence requiring them to defend themselves.</p><p>The outcome differed sharply from the conclusions attributed to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. Nevertheless, the findings of an investigative commission are not the same as proof beyond reasonable doubt in a criminal trial.</p><p>The failure to preserve evidence, locate suspects, secure credible testimony and conduct a prompt investigation appears to have seriously weakened the possibility of a successful prosecution.</p><p>More than two decades after the massacre, no one has been convicted of murdering the five OAU students. Survivors, families, former student leaders and campaign organisations have continued to demand justice.</p><h2>Allegations Concerning the University Administration</h2><p>For many years, some former student leaders and campaign organisations have alleged that individuals connected with the university administration supported or encouraged the attack.</p><p>In particular, allegations were made against then Vice-Chancellor Wale Omole. Some accounts claimed that one of the suspected cult members implicated him during an alleged confession.</p><p>These accusations have remained part of the public discussion surrounding the massacre. They were repeated by student activists and campaign groups and have continued to affect how sections of the OAU community remember Omole’s administration.</p><p>However, the allegations should not be presented as conclusively established facts. No publicly identified criminal conviction established that Omole planned, financed or ordered the attack.</p><p>A responsible historical account must therefore distinguish between:</p><ul><li><p>the established fact that the armed attack occurred;</p></li><li><p>the documented deaths of five students;</p></li><li><p>the shortcomings identified in the investigation;</p></li><li><p>allegations made by students and campaign organisations; and</p></li><li><p>matters that were never conclusively proved in court.</p></li></ul><p>The continuing controversy demonstrates the consequences of an investigation that leaves important questions unanswered.</p><h2>Who Carried Out the Attack?</h2><p>The attackers have consistently been identified in published reports as members of the Black Axe or Aiye confraternity, also associated with the Neo-Black Movement.</p><p>Later accounts, including reporting by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism and interviews with former student leaders, similarly identify members of the group as responsible for the invasion.</p><p>The group’s institutional or organisational responsibility should, however, be distinguished from the criminal liability of particular individuals. Although investigators and the judicial commission reportedly identified suspects, the criminal proceedings did not produce convictions for the five murders.</p><h2>How OAU Remembers the Victims</h2><p>The date <strong>10 July</strong> remains an important memorial day within the OAU community.</p><p>Students, alumni, activists and university organisations have continued to remember Afrika, Tunde Oke, Efe Ekede, Eviano Ekelemu and Yemi Ajiteru through meetings, processions, public statements and campaigns against cultism.</p><p>On the 25th anniversary in July 2024, student and education-rights organisations again commemorated the five victims and renewed calls for justice.</p><p>The commemoration is not only about recalling the students who died. It also represents a continuing rejection of violent cultism and a demand that universities remain safe environments for learning, debate and responsible student participation.</p><h2>Lessons for Nigerian Universities</h2><p>The OAU July 10 attack continues to offer important lessons for universities, security agencies, students and government authorities.</p><h3>1. Reports of cult activity must be investigated promptly</h3><p>When students or staff report weapons, threats or organised violence, institutions must act immediately. Delayed or inadequate action can allow suspects to reorganise and retaliate.</p><h3>2. Evidence must be protected</h3><p>Weapons, documents, clothing, video recordings, statements and other physical evidence should be properly documented and preserved. Destroying or mishandling evidence can make prosecution impossible.</p><h3>3. Witnesses require protection and support</h3><p>Students may be unwilling to testify if they fear retaliation. Universities and law-enforcement agencies should establish reliable procedures for protecting witnesses and keeping them informed about investigations.</p><h3>4. Campus security must be properly trained and equipped</h3><p>Security officers should have clear emergency procedures, reliable communication systems and established relationships with the police and other emergency services.</p><h3>5. Student unions can support campus safety</h3><p>Independent and responsible student organisations can help identify threats, educate students and communicate safety concerns. However, students must not replace lawful security agencies or engage in violent interrogation and punishment.</p><h3>6. University authorities must be accountable</h3><p>Administrators must respond transparently to allegations of cultism and avoid protecting students or staff because of personal, political or social connections.</p><h3>7. Anti-cultism programmes must go beyond slogans</h3><p>Universities should combine orientation programmes, counselling, anonymous reporting systems, disciplinary procedures and cooperation with law-enforcement agencies. Former cult members who renounce violence may also require structured rehabilitation and reintegration support.</p><h2>Why the OAU Five Still Matter</h2><p>The five students killed on 10 July 1999 were not simply names in an old newspaper report. They were young people whose lives, education and ambitions ended violently.</p><p>Their deaths exposed weaknesses in campus security, policing, evidence management and the administration of justice. The failure to secure convictions has also prolonged the pain of their relatives, friends and the university community.</p><p>Remembering the OAU Five should therefore involve more than an annual ceremony. Their story should encourage Nigerian universities to protect students, confront cult-related violence, preserve institutional accountability and ensure that serious crimes are properly investigated.</p><p>The unanswered questions surrounding the attack should also serve as a warning: when institutions fail to investigate violence thoroughly and transparently, rumours and allegations may survive for generations.</p><p>Justice delayed does not only affect the victims of the past. It can weaken public trust and make future violence more likely.</p><h2>Sources and Further Reading</h2><ul><li><p>Roger Makanjuola, <em>Water Must Flow Uphill: Adventures in University Administration</em>.</p></li><li><p><em>The Punch</em>: “How cultists looking for me gunned down OAU student in my presence — Legacy, ex-OAU SUG president.”</p></li><li><p>Foundation for Investigative Journalism: “From Kegites Party to the Grave, the Unresolved Black Axe Murder of OAU Students.”</p></li><li><p><em>Premium Times</em>: “July 10: 21 years after murder of five OAU students, survivors, families await justice.”</p></li><li><p><em>Premium Times</em>: “OAU Five: 19 years after fatal cult attack, justice remains elusive.”</p></li><li><p>Democratic Socialist Movement: “Nigeria: July 10 1999 OAU cult attack.”</p></li><li><p>Education Rights Campaign: “OAU July 10 Cult Attack: 25 Years After.”</p></li></ul></div>
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OAU July 10, 1999 Cult Attack: What Happened and Why It Still Matters

Editorial note: This article examines the cult attack at Obafemi Awolowo University on 10 July 1999. It was originally published on Ako...

Grim Statistic of Educational Infrastructure In Enugu State, Over 6000 dropout

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No fewer than 6,159 public primary school pupils dropped out of school in Enugu State between 2013 and 2014, the states’ Annual School Census Report revealed on Friday. The report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chris Okoro in Enugu, indicated that 3,003 of the pupils were boys, while 3,156 were girls.</div>
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According to the report, 4,439 students also dropped out of public secondary schools from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state within the period under review. It said that 187,495 pupils were enrolled into different public primary schools, while 148,191 pupils were admitted into the private primary schools between 2013 and 2014 in the state. It noted that 177,375 students had been enrolled into the public secondary schools and 98,767 in private secondary schools in the state within the period.</div>
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The report said that no fewer than 1,161 special needs children, representing one per cent of the population were also enrolled into public primary schools, while 257 students were at the secondary school level. It listed the special needs of the enrolled students to include blindness or visual impairment, physically challenged, hearing or speech impairment as well as mental illness. On facilities in schools, the report recorded a total of 7,015 classrooms in public primary schools, while 4,167 were constructed for secondary schools. </div>
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“Out of the number of classrooms in primary schools, 56 per cent are usable and 57 per cent are also usable in secondary schools,’’ it said. On water and sanitation, only three per cent of primary schools in the state had access to pipe borne water, while 87.4 per cent had none. It observed that only 4.2 per cent of secondary schools had access to pipe borne water and 83.3 per cent had no access. It said that 64.6 per cent of public primary schools had no toilet facilities, 35.4 per cent of schools had at least one toilet, while 51.6 per cent of secondary schools had none at all. </div>
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“Pupil to toilet ratio at the primary level is 152 pupils to one toilet, while the ratio is 155 students to one toilet at the public secondary school level,’’ the report said. Reacting to the report, the Commissioner for Education, told NAN that with the spread of Ebola virus disease in the country, many alternatives for pipe water was provided by the government. “The report on water and sanitation will improve this year because we provided wash-hand buckets with taps for our pupils and students in our secondary schools to improve the hygiene,’’ Okoro said. Okoro, however, adjudged the report which was the fifth annual school census production in the state as credible. “This edition of the report has greatly improved, especially in the area of data collection at public secondary and private schools,’’ he said.</div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute; text-align: justify;">
No fewer than 6,159 
public primary school pupils dropped out of school in Enugu State 
between 2013 and 2014, the states’ Annual School Census Report revealed 
on Friday.

The report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the 
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chris Okoro in Enugu,indated that 
3,003 of the pupils were boys, while 3,156 were girls.

According to the report, 4,439 students also dropped out of public 
secondary schools from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state within
 the period under review.

It said that 187,495 pupils were enrolled into different public primary 
schools, while 148,191 pupils were admitted into the private primary 
schools between 2013 and 2014 in the state.

It noted that 177,375 students had been enrolled into the public 
secondary schools and 98,767 in private secondary schools in the state 
within the period.

The report said that no fewer than 1,161 special needs children, 
representing one per cent of the population were also enrolled into 
public primary schools, while 257 students were at the secondary school 
level.<br />
<br />
Read full story here: </div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute; text-align: justify;">
No fewer than 6,159 
public primary school pupils dropped out of school in Enugu State 
between 2013 and 2014, the states’ Annual School Census Report revealed 
on Friday.

The report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the 
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chris Okoro in Enugu,indated that 
3,003 of the pupils were boys, while 3,156 were girls.

According to the report, 4,439 students also dropped out of public 
secondary schools from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state within
 the period under review.

It said that 187,495 pupils were enrolled into different public primary 
schools, while 148,191 pupils were admitted into the private primary 
schools between 2013 and 2014 in the state.

It noted that 177,375 students had been enrolled into the public 
secondary schools and 98,767 in private secondary schools in the state 
within the period.

The report said that no fewer than 1,161 special needs children, 
representing one per cent of the population were also enrolled into 
public primary schools, while 257 students were at the secondary school 
level.
 It listed the special needs of the enrolled students to include 
blindness or visual impairment, physically challenged, hearing or speech
 impairment as well as mental illness.

On facilities in schools, the report recorded a total of 7,015 
classrooms in public primary schools, while 4,167 were constructed for 
secondary schools.<br />
<br />
Read full story here: </div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute; text-align: justify;">
No fewer than 6,159 
public primary school pupils dropped out of school in Enugu State 
between 2013 and 2014, the states’ Annual School Census Report revealed 
on Friday.