A disturbing report has emerged regarding the deplorable condition of the UBE Low-Cost Primary School in Gusau Tudun Wada Ward, Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State, highlighting the widening disconnect between the state’s education budget and the realities faced by pupils.
In a statement by the civic accountability platform MonITNG, addressed to Governor Dauda Lawal, the organisation decried what it described as the “appalling condition” of the school, calling on the governor to urgently address what it termed a humanitarian and governance failure.
“The appalling condition of UBE Low-Cost Primary School in Gusau Tudun Wada Ward, Gusau LGA, Zamfara State, paints a grim picture of the state of basic education in Zamfara,” it said.
According to the statement, over 113 children in the school are currently learning in distressing conditions, sitting on bare floors without desks, chairs, or a conducive learning environment.
The writers noted that overcrowded classrooms have made learning nearly impossible, with some teachers forced to merge two classes into one.
“Many classrooms are so overcrowded that two classes are merged into one, making effective teaching and learning almost impossible. For many of these children, learning happens while seated on dusty floors in deteriorating classrooms, a situation that denies them the most basic dignity and comfort that education should guarantee,” it said.
It expressed dismay that such conditions persist despite the huge sums allocated to education in successive state budgets.
“This disturbing reality persists despite the repeated promises and substantial budgets announced by the Zamfara State Government. In the recently presented ₦545 billion 2025 ‘Rescue Budget 2.0’, Governor Dauda Lawal allocated 14% (₦79.6 billion) to the education sector,” it said.
“Similarly, the 2024 budget of ₦426 billion, signed into law earlier this year, earmarked ₦51.3 billion for education.”
The statement reminded the government of its earlier commitments to improving the education sector.
“The government has consistently emphasized that these budgets are designed to ‘address pressing needs’ and ‘advance critical infrastructure’ in schools,” it said.
However, it lamented that the situation on the ground contradicts the government’s claims.
The organisation also noted that Zamfara continues to benefit from federal and international interventions aimed at improving education.
“Zamfara State also continues to receive federal allocations through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), as well as substantial support from international partners, including UNICEF, USAID, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), all aimed at strengthening basic education,” it said.
“However, the impact of these funds is nowhere to be seen in schools like UBE Low-Cost Primary School, where pupils endure conditions unfit for learning in the 21st century.”
It accused the government of misplaced spending priorities, pointing to reports of extravagant expenditure on non-essential items.
“While pupils are sitting on the ground in underfunded classrooms, the same state government reportedly spent ₦974 million on foreign trips, money that could have equipped thousands of classrooms, provided basic furniture, and improved the learning environment for children across Zamfara,” it said.
The statement described the situation as a “failure of governance, accountability, and political will,” warning that continued neglect could jeopardize Zamfara’s human capital development.
“The situation at UBE Low-Cost Primary School is not just a reflection of underdevelopment; it is a failure of governance, accountability, and political will. It highlights the widening gap between the billions allocated to education on paper and the harsh realities faced by children in public schools,” it said.
“Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right and the foundation of human capital development.”
“The current state of Zamfara’s public schools is a direct violation of that right. It is unacceptable that in 2025, with billions budgeted and multiple streams of domestic and international support, children still learn while sitting on bare floors,” the group added.
It concluded by urging Governor Lawal to act decisively, “declare a state of emergency in education and ensure that budgeted funds truly reach classrooms. Zamfara’s future depends on it”.
