Students and Staff Lament Deteriorating Conditions at Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies, Sokoto
Students and staff at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies in Sokoto are facing deteriorating conditions despite significant budget allocations for renovations. With issues like leaking roofs, inadequate facilities, and poor infrastructure, students are struggling to prepare for exams and maintain a conducive learning environment.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Despite millions of naira allocated for renovations, the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies in Sokoto continues to grapple with deteriorating facilities, raising concerns among students and staff.
On a warm Wednesday morning in July, students shuffled into classrooms under challenging conditions, with many SS3 students preparing for upcoming exams in a facility plagued by leaks and inadequate resources. The school's infrastructure reveals a troubling state, marked by worn-out doorways and gutted buildings in the primary section, all of which need urgent attention.
Faruq Muhammad Yabo, the Quality Assurance officer and a Biology teacher, expressed his dismay over the situation. "The school is not in good condition. During the rainy season, it's impossible for students to sleep in the hostels. For effective learning, a conducive environment is crucial," he stated, highlighting the absence of proper drainage and laboratory equipment.
Students echoed these sentiments, revealing their struggles with leaking roofs that disrupt their studies and sleep. "We used to have lights and fans, but not anymore. The hostels are barely habitable," one student lamented.
Despite a 2021 budget allocation of N60 million for renovating classroom blocks and N10 million for hostel improvements, the promised renovations have yet to materialize. A recent visit to the school confirmed the ongoing challenges, with many classrooms still using outdated blackboards and students sleeping outside during heavy rains due to inadequate facilities.
Dr. Muritala Akanbi Yusuf, an education lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, emphasized the critical need for a well-resourced learning environment. "Good learning can only occur in conducive settings. The current state of many public schools is unacceptable and undermines educational outcomes," he remarked.
Abubakar Haji, the Director of the Institute, reiterated the need for comprehensive renovations. "The conditions are definitely affecting the students’ learning. We hope for a total renovation, including the library and central mosque," he said, noting that the last significant renovation occurred 16 years ago.
The Physical and Health Education teacher, Abdulwahab Abubakar, also highlighted the necessity for improved sports facilities and teaching aids to foster a more engaging learning environment. "We need sporting facilities to promote student participation and teamwork," he added.
In response to ongoing inquiries regarding the budget and project releases, the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has yet to provide specific details.
As the situation at the Sultan Maccido Institute remains critical, students and staff call for immediate government intervention to address the pressing needs of the school, emphasizing that quality education is a vital tool for personal and societal development.
