Anambra smart schools facing overpopulation challenge — Commissioner

The Anambra Government has said that increasing student enrollment in its Smart Schools initiative has led to overpopulation in some facilities across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made the disclosure on Monday while speaking with journalists in Awka.

Chuma-Udeh said that the 22 Smart Schools completed under the first phase of the programme are experiencing overcrowding.

She, however, attributed the overpopulation to public confidence in the initiative, adding that the state government is taking steps to expand the infrastructure.

Overwhelming interest of parents seeking admission for their children into the schools has caused overcrowding in some locations.

“We are experiencing some teething problems, the major one being over-subscription.

“Every parent wants their children to benefit from the Smart Schools initiative,” she said.

The commissioner confirmed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is ready to construct additional infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand.

She further said that the security and protection of facilities in host communities have been entrusted to local stakeholders.

“The facilities were handed over to their host communities, where President-Generals, traditional rulers, and residents are expected to safeguard the infrastructure,” she said.

On the sustainability of the initiative, Chuma-Udeh said that the Smart Schools project was designed as a long-term educational reform that future administrations must sustain.

“Education development is continuous, and successive governments should build on existing achievements.

“This initiative is a progressive step for the benefit of future generations.

“I am optimistic that incoming administrations will continue to expand on the gains recorded in the education sector,” she said.

(NAN)