An alarming situation has come to light at Ozuitem Community Secondary School in Abia State, where a visually impaired vice principal is reportedly the primary educator for 363 students.
This revelation was made by education activist and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia, who shared his experience in a video and post on social media. Onyia expressed deep concern after witnessing the vice principal teaching a class, highlighting the severe shortage of teachers at the school.
The school’s staffing crisis is so acute that only three individuals—the principal, the blind vice principal, and his wife—are responsible for educating all 363 students, spanning from Junior Secondary School 1 to Senior Secondary School 3. Onyia lamented the fact that students often attend classes without receiving any actual instruction due to the lack of qualified teachers. This dire situation underscores the immense challenges faced by both the students and the dedicated educators struggling to provide them with an education.
Onyia’s visit to the school painted a stark picture of its condition, revealing the extent of the educational deficit. He described the emotional impact of witnessing the blind vice principal’s efforts, emphasizing the dedication and resilience required to teach under such challenging circumstances. The lack of adequate staffing has created an environment where quality education is severely compromised, leaving students without the necessary support to succeed.
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Despite the grim circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope. Onyia’s organization, Educare, has initiated renovation efforts at the school, which have recently led to a significant achievement. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has approved the school as an examination center, recognizing the improvements being made. This approval is a testament to the progress being made and offers a positive step forward for the school and its students.
The situation at Ozuitem Community Secondary School reflects a broader challenge within Abia State’s education sector. Governor Alex Otti acknowledged this issue in October 2024, declaring a state of emergency in education. The governor outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the sector, including increasing the retirement age for teachers to 65 years or 40 years in service, and eliminating salary and allowance discrimination.
Governor Otti also emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a more supportive environment for teaching and learning. He stated his intention to address the student-teacher ratio by hiring additional teachers across the state. These measures signal a recognition of the urgent need to address the staffing crisis and improve the quality of education in Abia State.
The plight of Ozuitem Community Secondary School and the dedication of its vice principal and his wife serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in education. While the recent WAEC approval and the governor’s initiatives offer hope, sustained efforts and resources are crucial to ensure that all students in Abia State have access to quality education. The story of this school underscores the urgent need for systemic change and a renewed focus on supporting both students and educators.
