Tamuno-Ogono Community Criticize Poor Educational Conditions, Urge Government to Act

Residents of Tamuno Ogono Community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed frustration over the dire state of education in the area.

Pointing to a lack of essential infrastructure like teachers’ quarters and affordable transportation. The poor conditions have left the school struggling to function.

A teacher in the Community School who is also a pastor, Morrison John told Kristina Reports on Tuesday, September 18, 2024, that the school’s operations are severely hindered by gaps in the education system.

“I’m really tired of the whole thing because it’s not nice. I’m just doing it for God and the children and it’s not easy,” said Morrison, who volunteers to teach in the absence of regular staff”.

Despite the community paying for his services, Morrison admitted the situation is unsustainable, especially as official teachers neglect their duties while still receiving salaries.

“I found out that the teachers are receiving nothing less than N130,000 and the community is struggling to pay us 10,000 which is not coming regularly,” he shared.

He urged authorities to intervene and ensure that teachers fulfill their responsibilities. Currently, only Morrison and another pastor are left to manage the school’s 10 students from nursery to primary level, a situation he said is taking a toll on their primary duties.

The challenges also extend to students, as an SS2 student, Joy Nelson voiced her concerns.

“I’m not happy because we don’t have teachers. We have to pay transport and go to another community to school and it’s very expensive, she said, highlighting the risks involved in crossing water to reach nearby schools.

Both teachers and students are appealing to the government for urgent action to improve the educational conditions.