Imo School Of The Dumb, Ofekata-Orodo Begs For Government’s Attention …Ndunagu Fetes Students on Valentine Day, Others

By saviour osuoha 08038610335
As an Act of parliament, the Imo state special school for the Dumb was established in the state, not only to awards certificates to special children with talking disabilities in learning and character but to give them the sense of belonging in the society. The school on its inception in the late 1980s was a meeting point for children of secondary school-age with physical challenges in the sense of talking.
The school, no doubt has not lived up to expectation by both the government and generality of Imo public for reasons largely on neglect by government as it also hampers on progress of staff and students. Social-basic infrastructure at the school is in total despair. The students have no better toilet facilities. The hostels are in a state of decay as the students sleep in broken walls and windows with naked candles, hence there are no windows, no generator-set to distribute electricity for students’ comfort in the learning environment.
Security of teachers and the students is still in doubt, as fencing of the school premises is not complemented with an entrance gate -way. The students, however, live at the mercy of natives of Ofekata- Orodo Community in Mbaitoli L.G.A. of the state, just for the consumption of potable water and other water uses.
Valentine day visit to the school as part of his constituency oversight duties by the member representing Mbaitoli – state constituency in the state Assembly, Hon. Victor Ndunagu, reveals that much is needed of government and public – spirited individuals in the state to come to the rescue of the special students there. Government of Imo state is expected to ensure that the special school is upgraded to standard.
The recent visit to the school , also indicate that despite efforts by the military governments and the chief Achike Udenwa’s democratic government in the state, the Ikedi Ohakim’s administration did not give consent to ways of bettering the welfare of staff and students at the school.
Evidently, Imo State government’s presence was last, felt in the school during the Udenwa’s administration as office buildings depict inscriptions as commissioned by the administration.
Though , Hon. Ndunagu donated a school entrance – gate way during his visit, principal of the school, Mr. Charles Obibi had already reeled out problems surmounting progress of staff and students to include; poor toilet facilities which precipitated construction of make -shift structures which serve as urinaries by the students themselves. Shortage of personnel (teachers to handle specific subjects), lack of recreational facilities, school bus, staff quarters to house available personnel among others.
The Free education Programme by the governor, Owelle Rochas Okoroch does not elude the special children, but the basic – social infrastructure together with conducive learning tools are elusive. Therefore, it is of less importance if these children with talking – disabilities should gain education free without comfort in a learning environment.
Since past administrations in Imo State jettisoned efforts to be made by government establishing the school in giving it a face lift, Hon. Ndunagu, pledged to make it a point of duty in ensuring that the state government reacts to the plight of staff and students at the school. But the free education governor Okorocha, having pledged utmost priority to welfare of Imo students and the education sector is relenting enough in putting smiles on the faces of these handicapped students.