FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
The School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the intervention of the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to the FCT Minister’s Feedback Team, the school’s principal, Mr. Bello Adamu Audu, said the school was in a state of disrepair before the minister’s intervention.
According to Bello, the school, established in 1993, was showing its age, with dilapidated buildings, cracked walls, and a general air of neglect.
However, he said, with the prompt intervention of the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, the school has been given a new lease on life. The renovation has transformed the school, providing a conducive environment for learning.
“Honestly speaking, the structure, like I said, was almost going down. If you were to go to the staff room before now, the roof was almost coming down to the ground. Also are you talking about the toilets? Is it the hostel that was always looking like something else?
” If you were here before the renovation and you had gone around, you get to pity both the staff and students of the school. Because so many things were bad, and that gave rise to some reptiles playing host within the school compound because the whole walls were cracked and, gave room for all these reptiles to penetrate”
The principal noted that the students are thrilled with the changes, which include new fans, renovated toilets, and a generally friendly atmosphere.
He explained that the school’s academic performance has also seen a significant boost. As the school came second overall in the country in the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies exam, a testament to the students’ hard work and the school’s improved facilities.
Despite the progress made, the principal is still appealing for more support; as the school faces challenges such as an epileptic supply of light and a lack of furniture.
“While I want to sincerely appreciate the Honorable Minister for his prompt intervention in our lives as a school, I still want to ask for more. We have a peculiar challenge here. We used to have an epileptic supply of light”.
“What we are having now is solar. The NEPA is gone. We are in need of 33 KV. As I speak now, the solar inverter that I’m talking about is getting weak. If we want it during the night prep, it will not last for one hour, it’s off. And the cost of running a diesel generator is not funny here, and you cannot leave these children alone in darkness. Because, like I told you before, they are hyperactive students. They need to be active all the time, carrying out studies”
“Secondly, sir, with all due respect to our Honorable Minister, the Project Minister, I know he can still do more by the grace of God. We lack furniture
Just imagine, look at what my brothers sit down there. They need to change this table for me. If we go down to the classroom, we see for ourselves. The furniture in the classroom are in a sorry state”.
The principal is hopeful that the minister will continue to support the school, providing the necessary resources to ensure that the students receive a quality education.
“Renovation did not captured funitures, according to them. It was not captured. Maybe it’s just an oversight, I don’t know. But I’m just appealing, like an Oliver Twist. I’m still asking for more, if it is possible that we get furniture for these students. Because they need to be comfortable while teaching and learning is taking place” , he pleaded.
On their part, Students of the School for the Gifted have expressed their gratitude to the Hon. Minister of FCT for the renovation of their school.
The students, praised the minister for transforming their learning environment. AbdurRaheem Taufikiyya, the Head Girl, said the renovation has improved the school’s academic facilities, making it more conducive for learning.
“We are very happy with the renovation,” Taufikiyya said. “Before, the school was dilapidated, but now it looks appealing. The new dining hall, classrooms, and library are all improvements that have enhanced our learning experience.”
Binuyo Dabira Goodnews, the Head Boy, also commended the minister for the renovation, particularly the new dining hall, which can now accommodate all students.
“The renovation has made a significant impact on our learning,” Goodnews said. “The new fans, lights, and painted walls have created a more conducive environment for us to learn.”
Ikenta Ifechukwu Belina, the Library Prefect, praised the renovation of the library, which now has fresh paint, new fans, and improved lighting.
“However, we still need more books, especially digital ones, to aid our learning,” Belina said. “We also need a school bus to transport us to competitions and other events.”
The students’ testimonials highlighted the positive impact of the renovation on their learning experience. They expressed their gratitude to the minister and appealed for more support to address their remaining needs.
The School for the Gifted is a unique institution that caters to hyperactive students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability. The school’s students have excelled in various competitions, including a recent mathematical contest where they represented Nigeria.
The renovation of the school is part of the FCT minister’s efforts to improve education in the territory. The minister has pledged to continue supporting the school and addressing the student’s needs to ensure they receive a quality education.
