Neglect of Legacy Schools Threatens Nigeria’s Future, Experts Warn

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, has cautioned that the government cannot continue to establish new institutions while existing ones are left in a state of decay.

Ohuabunwa issued the warning during an alumni event at Enitonna High School in Port Harcourt, where a strategic development master plan for the school was unveiled.
He described the current approach to education development as unsustainable, emphasizing the need to prioritise the rehabilitation of existing institutions rather than creating new ones without adequate funding.
According to him, the government should consider merging institutions where necessary to ensure proper funding, efficient management, and improved educational quality.
He further noted that the government alone can no longer shoulder the responsibility of funding education, urging stronger collaboration with alumni associations, private organisations, and intervention agencies.
The senator and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party described the condition of the school as disturbing and called for urgent, coordinated intervention to restore its former status.
He also advocated engagement with relevant agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to support the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure.
Ohuabunwa warned that continued neglect of legacy institutions could weaken the country’s educational foundation, stressing that immediate and collective action is needed to address the decline.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chris Akani, called for a policy shift toward proper rehabilitation and funding of existing schools. He warned that neglecting legacy institutions poses a serious threat to the education sector.
He added that, where necessary, the government should consider merging institutions to optimise resources and improve efficiency, rather than spreading limited funds across too many schools.
Professor Akani described the condition of many legacy institutions as worrisome, noting that continued neglect could have serious consequences for the future of education in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the National President of the Enitonna High School Alumni Association, Godfrey Ohuabunwa, stated that the unveiling of a ₦1.7 billion, 10-year master plan marks a major step toward restoring the school.
He explained that the institution, founded in 1932, has suffered years of neglect, land encroachment, and infrastructural decay.
“The plan includes the construction of classrooms, hostels, and a modern ICT centre to enhance learning outcomes,” he said, appealing for government and stakeholder support to ensure successful implementation.
The Principal of the school, Thomas Gogogute, also called for urgent intervention. He noted that while the school has a strong legacy of excellence, immediate collective action is required to restore its dignity.
He added that for decades, the school has been known for academic excellence, discipline, and character development, producing notable individuals who have contributed to national growth.
However, Sir Gogogute expressed concern over the current condition of the school, stressing that prompt and coordinated intervention is necessary to reposition it and restore its lost glory.