Army Day Secondary School, Ekenhuan Commends Governor Okpebholo for Comprehensive School Renovation

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Students, teachers, and the management of Army Day Junior and Senior Secondary School, Ekenhuan, Benin City, have expressed deep appreciation to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the school, describing the intervention as transformative and long overdue.

The commendation followed an assessment of the newly upgraded facilities, which replaced years of infrastructural decay that had severely affected teaching and learning in the institution.

Speaking separately with journalists, the principals of the Junior and Senior Secondary Schools described the governor’s intervention as timely and impactful, noting that the school had previously been in a deplorable state marked by dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and inadequate learning spaces.

The Principal of the Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Itohan Emokpai-Ogbebo, recounted the condition of the school when she assumed duty on October 15, 2024.

“When I arrived, the situation was heartbreaking. Students sat on the floor and window ledges due to a shortage of classrooms. Learning conditions were unsafe and undignified. It was a painful experience,” she said. “Today, the transformation speaks for itself. We are truly grateful for this intervention.”

Similarly, the Principal of the Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Joy Osakwe, recalled years of neglect that left the school with broken furniture, cracked walls, and insufficient facilities. She described Governor Okpebholo’s action as a strong reflection of his administration’s commitment to educational development.

“What has been done here goes beyond renovation. The buildings were essentially rebuilt, tiles replaced, and facilities upgraded to modern standards,” she noted.

Both principals agreed that the improved infrastructure, remodelled classrooms, and enhanced learning environment have significantly boosted staff morale and renewed students’ enthusiasm for learning.

Students of both the Junior and Senior Secondary Schools also expressed their appreciation, describing the renovation as a dream come true. The Head Girl of the Senior Secondary School, Miss Osayande Sharon, said the new learning environment has made school more enjoyable and motivating.

“This renovation has encouraged us to study harder and take our education more seriously. We are thankful to the governor for prioritising our future,” she said.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the renovation of Army Day Secondary School, Ekenhuan, forms part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader agenda to revitalise educational infrastructure across the state and provide safe, modern, and conducive learning environments for students.

Dr. Ebojele emphasized that the administration remains committed to investing in education as a foundation for sustainable development and human capital growth in Edo State.

The intervention at Army Day Secondary School stands as a testament to the governor’s resolve to restore public confidence in the education sector and ensure that no child is forced to learn under unsafe or substandard conditions.