Concern has been raised over the condition of Old Kutunku Primary School in Gwagwalada Area Council, with a youth advocate calling for urgent attention to what he described as the absence of some basic facilities and inadequate supervision within the school.
Adeoye Adekunle Yusuf, popularly known as Omo Oba of Gwaz and an advocate for sports and good governance, raised the concerns after visiting several primary schools across Gwagwalada Area Council.
According to Yusuf, the condition of Old Kutunku Primary School is particularly concerning, pointing to what he described as the absence of both the Nigerian national flag and a school flag.
“These are basic things that should be available in a primary school,” Yusuf said, stressing that such seemingly simple facilities form part of the basic environment expected in a properly managed school.
Yusuf also expressed concern over the level of commitment by the Headmaster of the school, alleging that more could be done to improve the school’s condition and address some of the basic needs affecting pupils and staff.
He argued that as the officer responsible for the day-to-day administration of the school, the Headmaster should demonstrate greater commitment to ensuring that identified challenges are brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities and addressed where possible.
The youth advocate further disclosed that youths from Old Kutunku have continued to make efforts to support the school and contribute towards improving its environment.
He, however, said questions about whether those contributing to the development of the school are indigenous to the community should not become a barrier to community development.
Responding to such concerns, Yusuf said his position was straightforward: “I am a Nigerian, and I was born and raised in Gwagwalada Area Council. I have every right to care about my community and contribute to making it better.”
He subsequently appealed to the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kasim Mohammed Ikwa, to draw the attention of the Education Secretary to the situation at Old Kutunku Primary School.
Yusuf also called for stronger supervision of primary schools across the Area Council, urging the Education Secretary to remind Headmasters of their responsibilities and ensure that school administrators are held accountable for the conditions of the institutions under their supervision.
According to him, the issue should not be viewed through the lens of tribe or political affiliation, but rather as a matter concerning the welfare and future of children in the community.
“This is not about tribe or politics. It is about our children and the future of Old Kutunku. Our children deserve better,” he said.
The concerns raised by Yusuf come amid broader calls for improved attention to basic education infrastructure and stronger administrative supervision in public schools across Gwagwalada Area Council.