A civic technology platform, MonITNG, has released a report highlighting the deteriorating condition of the Government Science Teachers College in Gulu, Niger State, describing it as a distressing testament to years of neglect. The report, based on information from citizens, claims the institution has become a crumbling shell with flooded classrooms, cracked walls, and overgrown vegetation.
MonITNG, which focuses on tracking public projects, described the school’s state as a betrayal of the educational aspirations of an entire community. The platform reported that images from the school show dilapidated desks, a sagging roof, and conditions that pose a threat to both students and staff, as well as a haven for criminal activity.
The report, issued as a public appeal to Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, was also supported by a post from a social media user, @Ibnwalee, who stated, “There’s not a single decent public primary or secondary school in the whole of Niger State,” further underscoring the systemic issues within the state’s education sector.
MonITNG emphasised the critical role of science teachers’ colleges in Nigeria’s educational system, noting they “are the backbone of science education, training teachers who ignite curiosity and innovation.” The group stressed that a well-equipped college is essential for providing practical training and a safe learning environment, a necessity that Gulu College currently contradicts.
The report also raises concerns about the use of allocated funds for education in Niger State, stating that billions of naira have seemingly “evaporated without tangible results.” MonITNG and its partners argue that this neglect is not limited to Gulu but reflects a broader crisis affecting nearly all schools in the state. They claim the lack of accountability and poor resource management have turned schools into “symbols of despair rather than hope.”
In its plea, MonITNG urgently called on Governor Bago to declare a state of emergency on education in Niger State. The platform recommended immediate action to renovate the Gulu college and address the condition of other schools. It urged the implementation of a comprehensive plan that includes transparent fund allocation, rigorous oversight, and community engagement to restore school infrastructure and ensure student safety. The group warned that delaying action risks “losing an entire generation to ignorance and poverty.
