The Imo State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate rehabilitation and upgrade of the Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf in Ofekata, Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, following growing concerns over the poor condition of the institution.
The resolution was adopted after lawmakers considered a motion presented by the member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Innocent Ikpamezie, who drew attention to the deteriorating facilities at the school.
As part of its resolution, the Assembly directed the Ministry of Education to work jointly with the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Water Resources, and other relevant agencies to urgently restore the school’s infrastructure.
The lawmakers said the intervention should cover the renovation of classrooms and hostels, provision of potable water, stable electricity, improved healthcare services and other essential facilities needed to create a safe and conducive learning environment for both students and staff.
Delivering the House’s decision, Speaker Chika Olemgbe said the state government must prioritise the rehabilitation of the specialised institution.
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“The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Health, Housing, Water Resources and other agencies, is directed to urgently rehabilitate and upgrade the school’s facilities, including classrooms, hostels, water supply, electricity, healthcare facilities and other essential infrastructure to make the Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf, Ofekata, Orodo, safe, functional and habitable for students and staff,” the Speaker said.
Olemgbe further instructed the relevant ministries to ensure the school receives adequate instructional materials, educational equipment and qualified personnel capable of meeting the special learning needs of children with hearing and speech impairments.
The House also mandated its Clerk to formally communicate the resolution to Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Ministry of Education and all agencies responsible for implementing the directive.
Earlier, while presenting the motion, Ikpamezie stressed that children living with disabilities deserve greater government attention and specialised educational support.
According to him, the school was established specifically to cater to children with hearing and speech disabilities and should be provided with the facilities and resources required to fulfil that mandate.
“People with disabilities require special care and support. We should not neglect them or deny them opportunities for a better life.
“The School for the Deaf at Ofekata, Orodo, was established to provide specialised education for children with hearing and speech impairments, who, because of their condition, require greater government support and attention,” he said.
The motion received broad support from lawmakers and was seconded by the member representing Ehime Mbano State Constituency, Bernard Ozoemelam.
It was also co-sponsored by Amara Iwuanyanwu, Kanayo Onyemaechi, Chigozie Nwaneri, Kennedy Ibeh, Obinna Egu, Dominic Ezerioha, Ozioma Ebonine, Johnson Duru, Sam Osuji, Johnleoba Iheoha, Kelechi Ofurum and Chisom Ojukwu, among others.
The Assembly expressed optimism that the planned intervention would improve learning conditions for students and strengthen the delivery of specialised education in the state.
