The Enugu Smart School Initiative has come under fresh scrutiny after a civil society group alleged that several of the state government’s multi-billion-naira smart schools are structurally unsafe, poorly equipped and unfit for students.
Key Highlights
Advocacy group alleges ₦266bn Enugu Smart School Initiative is plagued by structural defects.
Claims some newly completed schools have collapsed or suffered severe roof damage.
Group says many facilities lack computers, digital equipment and electricity.
Calls for independent structural integrity tests and immediate demolition of unsafe buildings.
Urges Enugu State Government to prioritise renovation of existing public schools.
The Coalition for Safe Education and Good Governance, Enugu State, in a statement, described the project as “a state-wide public safety emergency” allegedly caused by poor construction standards, questionable contract execution and disregard for public safety.
The group claimed there was “absolutely nothing smart” about many of the schools, alleging that they lack computers, digital learning tools and other facilities expected in modern smart schools.
According to the coalition, several of the schools were also allegedly built in remote locations without access roads, electricity or grid connectivity, making the government’s promise of technology-driven education difficult to realise.
The group further alleged that a number of the projects have already developed serious structural defects, raising concerns about the safety of pupils and teachers.
Among the locations mentioned were Amabokwu Aku, Ohemuje Aku and Ugwunani Aku in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, where it claimed buildings showed signs of structural weakness.
It also alleged that a newly completed ₦1.3 billion smart school in Iheaka collapsed after a light windstorm, while facilities in Nkanu East reportedly suffered severe roof damage during seasonal rains.
The coalition further referenced the reported demolition of a smart school structure in Isi-Uzo, describing it as evidence of widespread construction failures.
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The group criticised the state government’s decision to invest over ₦266 billion in the initiative while many existing public schools across Enugu allegedly continue to struggle with dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor security.
It specifically cited Airport Primary School, Emene, among schools it claimed remain in poor condition despite the ongoing investment in new projects.
The coalition called on the Enugu State Ministry of Works to immediately commission independent structural engineers to conduct comprehensive integrity tests on all smart school projects across the state.
It also urged authorities to demolish any buildings found to be unsafe, insisting that the safety of schoolchildren must take precedence over politics.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
