- Safiu Kehinde
A Non-governmental Organisation, MonITNG, has called out the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebolo, over viral video of secondary school student sitting on bare floor to learn in a classroom in the state.
As seen in the clip recorded at Uokha Grammar School in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo, some of the students were seen sitting on the floor while sat at the windows as they take note in the classroom.
Only few desks and chairs were available in the classroom.
Some of the students who managed to get a chair to seat had to write with their books on their laps as they have no desk.
Reacting in a statement issued on its official X handle on Friday, MonITNG decried the condition of the students and the classroom which, according to the group, supposed to be a sanctuary of hope, safety, and dignity.
The NGO held that pupils and teachers cannot be expected to thrive or deliver quality education in such crumbling spaces that offer zero comfort and no basic protection from the elements.
‘This is the sobering reality of Uokha Grammar School, located in Uokha, Owan East LGA, Edo State. A school is meant to be a sanctuary of safety, dignity, and hope.
‘Yet, what we see here is the exact opposite: dilapidated classroom blocks, a severe lack of furniture, and vulnerable children reduced to sitting or lying on the bare floor just to learn.
‘This is not a functioning learning environment; it is public neglect made visible.
‘Pupils and teachers cannot be expected to thrive or deliver quality education in crumbling spaces that offer zero comfort and no basic protection from the elements.
‘The state of this institution raises a profound question about governance priorities.
‘If education is truly championed as the foundation of development, why are the children of Uokha still studying on the floor in 2026?’ MonITNG asked.
The organsiation disclosed that the state government received about N116.9 billion Federal Allocation between January and June 2026 with another N28.4 billion in July.
It condemned the dilapidated state of the classrooms, particularly in rural areas, despite the amount of money received monthly by the state government.
MonITNG called for the complete renovation of the classroom blocks and provision of functional desks and chairs amongst other basic amenities for the students.
‘Public records show that the Edo State Government received approximately ₦116.89 billion in gross FAAC allocation between January and June 2026, alongside another ₦28.36 billion in July 2026 alone.
‘These substantial figures make this structural failure incredibly difficult to defend. The revenue is flowing into the state, yet these classrooms remain broken.
‘Rural schools cannot continue to exist as an afterthought while innocent children pay the ultimate price with their health, their concentration, and their collective future. Immediate, urgent intervention is required.
‘This turnaround must include the complete renovation of these dilapidated classroom blocks, the rapid provision of functional desks and chairs, the rehabilitation of hygienic toilets, and a thorough clean-up of the entire school environment. Both students and teachers deserve to work in safety and peace.’ It said.