20th June, 2011
Following the tragic death of a seven-year old pupil at Irepodun Primary school in Alapere, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, the school authorities have shut the dilapidated toilets.
P.M.NEWS had reported last week how Master Buhari Lawal, a primary one pupil in the dilapidated public school, died after falling into the pit toilet of the institution last Wednesday.
Our correspondent observed this morning that the toilets were shut, while some drums to store water have been provided and some classrooms have been shut.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope- Adefulure was expected at the school this morning. Her security details were seen in the premises.
It was learned that she will pay a visit to the family of the deceased afterward.
The Education Secretary in charge of the Local Government, Engineer Oyesanya was also seen in the school.
He led some inspectors from the state government to the broken toilets. He did not speak with our correspondent.
Some frantic efforts were being made this morning to show a bright picture of the school when the Deputy Governor visits.
The broken and roof-leaking computer classroom was relocated. Some classrooms have been hurinedly created. Oyesanya gave the head mistress one hour to create the new classrooms which were hitherto overcrowded.
Teachers and staff were ordered not to speak to the press but some lecturers told our correspondent that things were catastrophic and needed to change.
But P.M.NEWS observed that pupils were still receiving lectures in hot and over crowded classrooms. There were still no fans, no doors, no water or fence to protect the pupils.
—Simon Ateba