By Uchino Amatey
The Executive Chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Stephen Odey, has condemned the burning of a recently constructed nine classroom block in St. Joseph’s Primary School, Bansara, Ogoja Local Government Area.
Odey who described the act as nefarious and a means to displace pupils of the school, said the Board will do everything within its power to fish out the culprit(s).
He lamented that acts such as this are a setback to the state government efforts tackling in accommodation challenges facing schools despite the state’s lean resources.
According to him “I am sad that despite all our efforts to make sure that basic education is given priority in Cross River State, some people are still out to frustrate the good intentions of the government and SUBEB. The State government is spending huge resources to advance basic education in the state yet people are destroying school facilities and carting away equipment and learning materials.”
He said there have been reported cases of vandalism, stolen computers, books and other facilities in some schools across the State. He was specific that just recently a person was arrested for stealing roofing sheets in Asu Egbe Primary School, Four Corners, Ikom.
The SUBEB boss reiterated the need for communities to complement government efforts by taking ownership of schools so as to guard against acts of theft and vandalism,t warning that communities who do not protect infrastructure, learning materials and equipment provided by government will be blacklisted from future interventions.
One suspect has been arrested and investigation is ongoing.
