Teachers and community leaders in Akugbene, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, have strongly refuted claims that pupils of Awobu Primary School and students of Akugbene Grammar School sit on the floor due to a lack of desks.

The viral report, authored by Hon. Ebi Idolo, alleged that both schools were in a state of neglect, with students deprived of basic classroom furniture. Idolo specifically criticized Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, the lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency, for allegedly failing to support the schools.

However, when Vanguard visited the schools on Friday, teachers and community leaders dismissed the report as false, malicious, and politically motivated.

At Awobu Primary School, senior teachers took the reporter on a tour of fully furnished classrooms, contradicting the claims made in the viral post.

Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Esuku Dorothy, stated: “The social media report is completely false. As you can see for yourself, our pupils are not sitting on the floor. In fact, we have extra desks in our storeroom. The intention behind this false narrative is to mislead the public for selfish reasons.”

She, however, pointed out that the school’s main challenge is a damaged fence caused by perennial flooding and appealed to the government for assistance.

Mr. Stanley Enebi Daniel, a classroom teacher, also debunked the claims, saying: “There are enough desks for all pupils. Hon. Nicholas Mutu has contributed significantly to this school, providing infrastructure and learning materials. The public should disregard these baseless accusations.”

Similarly, at Akugbene Grammar School, classrooms were found to be well-equipped, with students seated at their desks.

Vice Principal, Mrs. Ebure Gloria, stated: “The claim that students are sitting on the floor is false. We have enough desks in all classrooms. However, our major challenge is a shortage of teachers. We appeal to the government to post more staff to the school.”


Akugbene community chairman, Mr. Waretimi Success, condemned the report as a malicious attempt to tarnish the community’s leadership.

“This fabricated lie must be retracted immediately. Hon. Mutu has been a strong pillar of support for our schools and community. The public should disregard this falsehood.”

The community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to quality education and urged political actors to refrain from spreading misinformation for personal gain.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/akugbene-teachers-community-leaders-dismiss-deskless-classroom-claims/