12th August, 2015
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has hinted of plans by his administration to commence renovation work on all government owned schools in the state.
Speaking shortly after inspecting the premises of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the governor expressed sadness that the immediate past administration allowed schools to rot away while squandering billions on building senseless model schools.
Governor Wike said that the committee which was set up by the Rivers State Government has submitted a bill of quantities on the scope of work to be done.
The renovation work will cover all public secondary schools – including: Government Girls Secondary School, Isiokpo; Marian Girls High School, Bane; Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta; Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori and Enitonia Boys High School, Port Harcourt among others.
The governor, however, stated that efforts will be made immediately to revamp Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri as he directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works to commence fencing of the school premises.
“This is a school that we want to bring back to its former status. Most people in this state attended this school and were proud. It is sad that the school is now in a sorry state. As I said earlier, the previous administration concentrated on building model schools when you have existing schools that need facelift,” Wike noted.
The fencing, according to him, is to stop further encroachment on the school’s property and to stop members of the public from using the school as a thoroughfare.
He condemned the past administration for neglecting school to the point that half of its land has been encroached on and occupied illegally.
Wike who stated that government owned schools have produced prominent persons and politicians, expressed sadness that they have been to dilapidate left dilapidated by past administrations.
He promise that his administration will restore the lost glory of public schools.