A report by MonITNG has drawn attention to the deplorable state of the school, where students from Evbiamen, Okpokhumi Emai, Ojavun Emai New and Ojavun Emai Old communities reportedly continue to receive lessons in deteriorating classrooms.
The report describes a school environment characterised by a damaged roof, exposed wooden trusses and classrooms in poor condition, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of both students and teachers.
The situation has prompted calls for urgent government intervention to prevent further deterioration and provide a more conducive learning environment for children in the affected communities.
The report questioned the apparent gap between public revenue accruing to Edo State and the condition of educational infrastructure in some rural communities.
According to figures cited by MonITNG, Edo State received approximately ₦116.89 billion in gross Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations between January and June 2026, in addition to about ₦28.36 billion in July.
The figures have been used by concerned residents to demand greater accountability and prioritisation of public spending, particularly in critical sectors such as education.
While state allocations support multiple government responsibilities, including salaries, healthcare, infrastructure and other public services, the condition of Okpokhumi Grammar School has raised questions about how effectively available resources are being translated into improved educational facilities.
The report also questioned why the school remained in such a condition despite previous investments in education under the EdoBEST programme, which was introduced during the previous administration with support from the World Bank.
It called for clarification on the extent to which education funding and intervention programmes have benefited the school and surrounding communities.
MonITNG appealed to Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and Chairman of its House Committee on Education, as well as Hon. Eric Okaka, who represents Owan East Constituency, to urgently intervene.
The report urged the lawmakers to visit the school, assess the situation and use their legislative positions to demand immediate action from the relevant authorities.
It also called on the Edo State Government to declare a state of emergency on the rehabilitation of Okpokhumi Grammar School and commence the necessary repairs without further delay.
The appeal comes amid concerns that prolonged neglect of school infrastructure could undermine students’ learning experiences and expose them to avoidable risks.
The report criticised what it described as the absence of meaningful development in Owan East despite publicity surrounding the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
It argued that residents should be able to measure government performance through visible improvements in public services, including safe classrooms, functional facilities and better educational opportunities for children.
For the communities served by Okpokhumi Grammar School, the immediate priority is the rehabilitation of the school and the provision of facilities that meet acceptable safety standards.
Education is a fundamental right, and children should not have to learn in classrooms that expose them to potentially dangerous conditions.
The condition of Okpokhumi Grammar School therefore presents an urgent challenge for the state government, education authorities and elected representatives. A timely assessment, transparent funding and a clear rehabilitation plan would help address residents’ concerns and demonstrate a commitment to improving public education.
The message from the affected communities is clear: students in Evbiamen, Okpokhumi Emai, Ojavun Emai New and Ojavun Emai Old deserve safe classrooms and an environment in which they can learn without fear.
For Owan East residents, the demand is for concrete action rather than promises. The future of the children attending Okpokhumi Grammar School depends on the authorities treating the situation with the urgency it deserves.
