By Abdulkareem Haruna

A recent phone chat with a brother and childhood friend from my ancestral abode, Ogori in Kogi state, brought me to speed about certain commendable developments happening there.

I was particularly thrilled to be told about a significant cheery development at my alma mater, Community Comprehensive High School (CCHS). For the first time in its 45-year history, the school will be having a tarred road leading from the market area directly to its gates, replacing the previous bush path.

But for the intervention of a notable individual from the Ogori community, Major General Erema Akerejola, who is the Chief of Logistics, Nigeria Army, the once notorious 1km road leading to the esteemed School (CCHS)  wouldn’t have been salvaged. Prior to this intervention, the road was plagued by deep gullies, posing a nightmare not only for motorists but also for pedestrians.

General Akerejola, credited to have influenced the construction of the road leading to CCHS

An online newspaper, edited by a son of Ogori, and ofcourse, an alumnus of CCHS, published a saddening expose in November this year, detailing what has become of the school part of where the road leads to.

His article may have prompted the initiation of the first-time construction of an important economic road five days later. Alternatively, it could have been a coincidence that action on the road began shortly after the article’s publication. Regardless, the positive outcome is that no action was taken until after the article was published. General Akerejola is deserving of commendation for influencing the construction of this significant road, which will benefit not only educational needs but also the agricultural sector of the community, as the repaired route will provide access to extensive farmlands.

I also salute the author for churning out an excellent journalism that gives a vivid picture of the rot that has become of CCHS, a school that was once an envy of others in the 1990s.

A senior brother, whom  I most humbly call a colleague too, who chose to go by a pen name, did a wonderful work which modern newsroom call ethical reporting. Below is an edited and summarised copy of his long read about the school called CCHS and how it has lost its past glory.

OLA ‘KIYA (Pen name), publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Stonix News, recently visited his alma mater, Community Comprehensive High School (CCHS) in Ogori, Kogi State, and shares a detailed report on the current state of the school.

CCHS, founded in 1979, holds a significant place in the Ogori community. In its early years, it was considered one of the best educational institutions in the area. Its reputation for academic excellence, discipline, and extracurricular activities made it a source of pride for the people of Ogori. However, over time, the school’s infrastructure and educational standards have deteriorated.

The author and his co-visitor to CCHS

During a visit to the school with Mrs. Abiye Blessing Bello, a former student, they encountered numerous challenges that paint a picture of a struggling institution. The journey to the school was arduous, with the road leading to it in a dilapidated state. The lack of maintenance over the years has caused erosion, creating gullies and rendering the road hazardous.

Upon arrival, they noticed an unsettling sense of disorderliness within the school. Some students were assigned the task of cutting grass instead of attending their regular classes. The noise levels in classrooms were alarmingly high, indicating a lack of discipline. The principal acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining order, expressing frustration at the diminishing respect and fear students have for their teachers.

One of the most disheartening discoveries was the state of the school’s science laboratory. Once a hub for scientific exploration and learning, it now stands as a dilapidated and neglected space. The laboratory lacks essential equipment, such as tables, benches, and scientific apparatus. The absence of basic resources hinders the students’ ability to engage in practical experiments and explore the wonders of science.

Furthermore, they witnessed the aftermath of a recent act of vandalism at the school’s ICT center. The center, established to promote digital education, was broken into and the solar inverters and batteries were stolen. Although the new computers and their accessories were untouched, the theft has disrupted the functioning of the center. Efforts are underway to restore the stolen items, but repairs and additional security measures are needed to safeguard against similar incidents in the future.

Security is also a pressing concern at CCHS. The absence of a perimeter fence renders the school vulnerable to unauthorized access from all directions. This porous security situation is exacerbated by the rising incidence of kidnappings in the community. The principal emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and increased police presence.

In terms of infrastructure, there are significant shortcomings that need to be addressed. Both students and staff require adequate desks and furniture, as well as repairs for leaking roofs and broken chairs. The principal expressed gratitude for the provision of some plastic lockers and chairs in the past but noted that more are needed to cater to the school’s growing needs. On a positive note, a new library sponsored by the Ogori Descendants Union is currently under construction, signaling a commitment to improve educational resources for students.

Financial challenges add to the school’s woes. The school no longer receives government allocations, and fees paid by students are not remitted to the school. This lack of funding hampers the ability to address pressing issues and provide the necessary resources and opportunities for an enriching learning environment. The principal appealed for support from individuals and organizations, including the provision of photocopiers and financial assistance.

In terms of staffing, the school faces a shortage of qualified teachers in certain subjects. Basic Technology and Chemistry suffer from a lack of dedicated teachers, while other subjects require additional manpower to ensure quality education. Lack of personnel and resources result in an imbalance and hinder the school’s ability to provide comprehensive education.

The visit of Journalist Ola ‘Kiya to CCHS should serve as clarion call to all of Ogori stakeholders, especially we the alumni and the wider community. Urgent steps need to be taken to address the decayed infrastructure, deplored state of security, as well as human and equipment deficiencies. Former students must rally together to support the current efforts being made by some alumni to restore the school to its former glory and ensure future generations have access to a quality education that we all had once upon a time.