“Our Children Are Learning in Fear”: Umuoba Anam Cries Out Over Collapsing School

By Udodirim Oti | Awka

Every school day, hundreds of students at Community Secondary School, Umuoba Anam, sit in classrooms under a visibly cracked two-storey building that community leaders fear could collapse.

Now, residents of Umuoba Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area are appealing to the state government, elected representatives, alumni, and public-spirited Nigerians to intervene before tragedy strikes.

The appeal followed an inspection by the Education Committee of the Umuoba Anam Town Union, led by President-General Hon. Uchenna Anizor and Youth Forum President Comrade Onyebuchi Mmeh.

The team found cracked walls, deteriorating classrooms, inadequate learning facilities, and an unsafe environment for teachers and students.

“We fear this building may not survive another flood season. Every passing day increases the risk. We are pleading with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and all our elected representatives to act before lives are endangered,” Hon. Anizor said.

Beyond the structure, the school lacks computers, science equipment, and staff accommodation.

Teacher Jude Onuorah said students cannot compete in computer-based examinations because the school’s laptops were lost in the 2012 flood and have not been replaced.

“We want our students to compete with their peers across the country, but without computers and science equipment, they are at a disadvantage,” he said.

The absence of staff quarters has also discouraged National Youth Service Corps members from accepting postings to the school, worsening the teacher shortage.

Youth leader Onyebuchi Mmeh said the community must also play a role.

“You don’t have to donate millions. An individual can renovate a classroom, replace windows, install whiteboards, or repair a roof. Every contribution counts because this is about the future of our children,” he said.

Pioneer student Elias Anizor urged graduates from 1982 till date to reunite under an Old Students Association to support the school.

“Your alma mater is part of your identity. This is the time to come home and help preserve its future,” he said.

Principal Mrs. Esther Emma-Nwakaeze thanked the committee for drawing attention to the school’s condition and called for urgent intervention from government, philanthropists, and development partners.

For Umuoba Anam residents, the appeal is about more than repairs. It is about protecting lives, restoring dignity to public education, and giving future generations a safe place to learn.