The Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies in Sokoto presents a troubling picture of neglect. Despite millions of Naira being allocated for renovations, students and staff are lamenting the poor state of the school's infrastructure, which is hindering their learning experience.
On a typical day in July, students shuffled into classrooms, while security guards manned the gates. However, a closer look revealed a different story — one of dilapidated facilities, leaking roofs, worn-out doorways, and gutted buildings. For the SS3 students preparing for their exams, conditions in the classrooms and hostels were far from ideal.
Faruq Muhammad Yabo, the school’s Quality Assurance officer and Biology teacher, did not hide his disappointment over the deteriorating condition of the school. The school is not in good condition, especially during the rainy season. The hostels are barely habitable, and for learning to be successful, it must take place in a conducive environment,he said. Yabo noted that while the current Director, Abubakar Haji, had made some improvements, such as restoring light to classrooms and the administrative block, much remains to be done.
Yabo also recalled a visit by a committee from the state house, which promised renovations, but so far, these promises have not been fulfilled.
The students themselves are frustrated by the conditions. One SS3 student described how things have worsened since he started attending the school. We used to have light bulbs and fans, but not anymore. The hostels are barely habitable, and during the rainy season, all the rooms leak,he explained. The students often have to mop and clean the dormitories after heavy rains, affecting their sleep and studies.
A cholera outbreak several years ago due to lack of potable water is a stark reminder of the health risks posed by these deplorable conditions. Students are pleading with the government for better roofing materials, equipment, and an improved environment to prevent another health crisis.
The challenges faced by Sultan Maccido Institute are not unique. Many schools across Nigeria suffer from underfunding, despite UNESCO’s recommendation to allocate at least 15% of the national budget to education. The Nigerian government has consistently fallen short of this target, leaving public schools like Sultan Maccido in disrepair while only the wealthy can afford quality education at private schools.
Dr. Muritala Akanbi Yusuf, an education lecturer from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, noted that learning can only thrive in a conducive environment. If the classroom is not appealing and conducive, you cannot learn. An environment without the required resources will result in poor academic outcomes and out-of-school children, he explained. Yusuf emphasized the importance of revitalizing public schools for the nation's growth and development.
Professor Muhammed Ibrahim of Usmanu Danfodiyo University also highlighted that despite allocations in the budget, funds are often not released, leaving schools like Sultan Maccido with substandard facilities.
The Sokoto State budget for 2021 earmarked N60 million for renovating 15 classroom blocks and N10 million for hostel renovations at Sultan Maccido Institute. Yet, a visit to the school in mid-2024 revealed that these projects had not materialized. The hostels remain in poor condition, and students sometimes sleep outside due to flooding and leaks during the rainy season. Classrooms are still using outdated blackboards, and students lack proper sleeping arrangements.
The school's Director, Abubakar Haji, stressed the need for comprehensive renovations, noting that the last major renovation was in 2008. Staff quarters also suffer from poor drainage, with erosion worsening the situation during rainy months.
Physical and Health Education teacher, Abdulwahab Abubakar, called for the provision of sports facilities. With limited resources, students have turned to football as a cheap and readily available activity. Sports improve students’ mental fitness and foster teamwork, which is crucial for their development, he explained.
Sports expert Otuekong Aniedi Akpaneto echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sports for students’ cognitive skills and teamwork. He suggested that the school also needs a health club and an acquisition center for science students to foster creativity and hands-on learning.
The Sultan Maccido Institute’s current state is a reflection of the broader struggles in Nigeria’s public education system. Despite the millions of Naira allocated for repairs, students and staff continue to suffer under deplorable conditions. The government, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations must take immediate steps to rehabilitate the school, ensuring that students can learn in a safe and conducive environment.
Education is the foundation of personal and national development. If schools like Sultan Maccido continue to be neglected, Nigeria’s future generations will face even greater challenges. The time for action is now.