The idea of improving the education system in rural areas to global standards has taken another twist, as the children from Isiakpu, Nsukka, have been seriously denied access to it.
A recently constructed smart school has unfortunately found itself in the unfortunate predicament of being vandalized, and the extensive damage to Central Primary School, Isiakpu, is not just a matter of destruction; it raises a crucial question of who truly holds the ownership of public assets.
Some part of the country has been recorded numerous incidents in the past. Another intriguing question arises: how can we curb the destructive behavior in our community?
Afia Tv correspondent reports that both teachers and pupils have expressed their dissatisfaction with the theft in the smart school here at Isiakpu. The question on the lips of everyone is who is responsible for this, and what is the motive behind this?
“Are they in support of progress, or are they in support of retrogression, as this theft has affected the progress and the smooth running of this school?
“The silence of the holiday season masked a sinister act at Central Primary School isiakpu, on January 13th, 2026.
“The return from break revealed a scene of devastation. A newly built smart school, painstakingly constructed, had been ransacked.
Conduit wires meticulously laid to power the school’s advanced learning tools were brazenly ripped from the walls, leaving gaping holes and a trail of dust across classrooms and corridors.
“The faint footsteps on students’ desks reveal a terrifying tale of criminals who scaled the very learning tools to carry out their destructive plan.
According to the head teacher, Smart Green School Central Primary School, Isiakpu, Nsukka, Caroline Ozioko said the government has tried by building this school for us. My teachers and all the pupils were very happy.
“We discovered that every piece of equipment had been vandalized when we returned from the holiday. We were surprised.
“And I ask why?” And then I started going around the school. I went around and started videoing all those things.
“Then, after the video covering, I sent it to the quality assurance people at Enugu.
“The neighborhood watch staff arrived after we told the community about it, and they went around to personally assess the extent of the damage.
Afia tv report that the head teacher, Mrs. Caroline Ozioko, led the crew through the heart of the destruction.
Her voice laced with disappointment. She commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his tireless commitment to the smart school project across Enugu state, stressing that his investments are meant to uplift society.
However, she equally condemned the senseless actions of those who perpetrated this evil act, undermining the very foundation of communal progress.
John Ugwu, teacher, Smart Green School, Central Primary School isiakpu Nsukka, stated that when he arrived at school that morning and went around, he saw that one of the windows had been vandalized.
“He stated, “They remove the window and place it inside, and the items within the room are for seating purposes. And another problem here is that this window has no protector.
Ugwu maintains that if they can remove the window, it means that they are prepared to come and remove the seat.
However, there is no safeguard to protect the windows. Now, since there are no protectors in this window, it implies that something must be done swiftly in order to safeguard this seat.
One of the teachers expressed their concerns about the incident, expressing displeasure. They are not entirely pleased with the situation. They are urging the government to provide security to preserve the equipment, as well as the lives of the learners.
According to Chime Onyemachi, teacher at Smart Green School CPS, ” There’s a building in this school where some people are really helping us. We don’t know people who come here to steal everything; we’re not happy about it.
We need security here to protect even the buildings and the children here.
“But the disappointment extends beyond the teaching staff. The greatest impact is perhaps on the pupils themselves.
The enthusiasm for a modern learning environment has diminished due to this unfortunate incident.
For them, this vandalization is more than just damaged infrastructure. It is a direct assault on their dreams and their right to a quality education.
The incident highlights the importance of communities to embrace a sense of ownership over public projects, not viewed as government property, but as shared resources essential for collective progress.
One of the pupils of Smart Green School Central Primary School, Onugwu Chimuanya, said, we are not happy about what happened in our school. We want the government to repair our school very well. Let them put security in our school.
“It is important to note that what the thieves did in our school is not acceptable.
Another student of the smart green school expressed that the thief has successfully removed our school’s zinc, and whenever it rains, it will fall upon us, and we will not find it pleasant to study. We will remain in one place until the rain stops.
“Every time the small breeze gently blows, the leaves and dust will spread upon us. We are not pleased with it. Sometimes we may choose to stop learning and remain still.
I sincerely hope that they will swiftly repair the school and secure the seat.
In a swift response to the incident, the Nsukka local government chairman, Chinedu Asoga, though physically indisposed for an interview at the time of filing this report, confirmed that suspects in connection with the vandalism have been arrested. He vehemently condemned the act, expressing deep worry over the mindset of some community members who consistently frustrate progressive efforts. Afia TV report.
“The chairman retracted his call to the community members to collaborate with the government in ensuring that these crucial smart school projects are actively managed and safeguarded, and to foster a peaceful and progressive society.
“The smart school at Isiakpu is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents an investment in the future generations. This act of vandalism is a stark reminder that government efforts alone cannot build a progressive society.
It demands collective vigilance and a profound sense of community ownership.
The arrest of suspects is a step, but the real solution lies in the hearts and minds of the people of Nsukka. Protecting the future starts here in Nsukka.
We’re calling on the relevant authorities and the Enugu state government to make sure these smart schools are safe.
particular, during the festive season when there is less activity, and also consider the surroundings of the smart school.
There are also calls for regular upkeep. It is imperative that the grass is regularly trimmed and other necessary tasks are carried out to ensure the students’ safety and comfort.
It seems that the community and, of course, the residents of that area, have a greater responsibility to ensure the efficient management of the school, as it is indeed a public asset that benefits them.
We sincerely hope that securing the smart schools this year is indeed a top priority, as it has naturally revealed a gap that must be filled through a suitable strategy.