Former Students Transform Run-down Primary School in Enugu Local Community

In a remarkable display of community initiative, the Enugu State Government has officially opened the renovated Ihe Primary School, a project spearheaded by the Old Students Association of the institution. The ceremony took place in Awgu Local Government Area, showcasing a comprehensive makeover that includes two expansive classroom blocks, state-of-the-art toilets with water closets, a water borehole, a basketball pitch, a lawn tennis court, school fencing, and a modern library complete with a computer room.

Led by former pupils who reunited to form the Old Students Association of Primary School, the initiative also encompassed the installation of solar power systems around the school compound and the provision of recreational equipment.

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Inaugurating the upgraded facility, Professor Leonard Mbah, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, expressed his delight at the transformative projects. He praised the responsible community spirit exhibited, drawing parallels to the 1960s when many primary schools were constructed through community efforts, both local and international. Mbah emphasized the importance of community ownership for the survival and sustainability of educational institutions.

"We see responsible community spirit at work. This reminds me of the 1960s when most of our primary schools were built by communities both home and abroad, and those schools lasted because communities invested in them," he stated, urging other communities in Enugu State to follow Ihe's example and complement government efforts.

Dr. G.O.C Ajah, the Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), commended the special love for education demonstrated by the people of Ihe, aligning the initiative with the mission and vision of the state government led by Governor Peter Mbah. He praised the association for prioritizing basic education, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the school that allows people with disabilities access.

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The President of the association, Dr. Madueke Ekoh, explained that the gesture was prompted by the dilapidated state of the primary school, motivating the association to modernize it. The project, costing over N200 million, was driven by Mr. Peter Eneonwo, who rallied other members to join the cause.

Represented by his brother, Ekenedilichukwu Ekoh, Dr. Ekoh stated, "Today we are happy to make history as Primary School, Ihe, becomes a model elementary school for academic excellence in rural communities, and these accomplishments will inspire teachers to impart quality comprehensive learning to our children."

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The Chairman of the event, Chief Anthony Udeh, echoed the sentiment that the project was a way for the old students to give back to society. As an Ihe native and the Chairman of the Joint Account/Allocation Committee, Enugu State, Udeh expressed overwhelming gratitude and pledged the community's commitment to maintaining and sustaining the project.

Mrs. Dorathy Udeani, the Head Teacher of Ihe Primary School, expressed her gratitude, describing the project as 'huge' and acknowledging the quick intervention of the old students in rescuing the school from abandonment. She highlighted the unprecedented progress achieved within a few months of her assuming duty as the Head Teacher.