Many parents, unable to afford private schooling, have withdrawn their children, leaving them either at home or learning a trade.

For over a decade, Central School Orji in Orji Village, Umuduru Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State, has been in a state of disrepair, with children forced to learn in classrooms with cracked walls and open roofs, according to Tracka.

Many parents, unable to afford private schooling, have withdrawn their children, leaving them either at home or learning a trade.

According to Tracka, BudgIt’s public expenditure tracking platform, the school’s poor condition has persisted despite repeated calls for intervention.

The group has now urged Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and Honourable Miriam Onuoha to take immediate action.

“We strongly implore your office and the Government of Imo State, Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to facilitate the construction and equipping of classroom blocks for the children of Orji village,” Tracka stated.

The group emphasised the urgency of the situation, warning that continued neglect would have long-term consequences on the children’s future.

“Their education cannot wait!” it stressed.

Many residents of Orji Village have also expressed their frustration, lamenting how the condition of the school has forced children to abandon formal education.

Parents and community leaders have repeatedly appealed for government intervention, but their pleas have so far yielded no results.

“The school has been like this for over a decade. Our children are suffering because they have no proper place to learn,” a resident lamented.