Demonstration Standard College, Onyukoko, once celebrated as one of the best secondary schools in Kogi Central, is fast losing its glory. The school, which formerly maintained high standards in entrance examinations and controlled admission numbers under past leadership, is now facing serious challenges that threaten the safety and quality of education of its students.
In recent weeks, the school has been repeatedly involved in violent clashes with students from other schools. This rising culture of fighting and indiscipline is a clear sign that the system is failing. The school is currently overcrowded and understaffed, making effective supervision and discipline almost impossible. Teachers are overwhelmed, classrooms are congested, and students are left without proper guidance.
The Safe Education Initiative, after touring the school and administering questionnaires to residents and stakeholders in the community, received consistent feedback on urgent steps needed to restore order and quality education.
Key Recommendations from the Community:
- Immediate Government Takeover:
The Kogi State Government should take over the management of Demonstration Standard College, Onyukoko, to restore standards, accountability, and proper supervision. - Limit Student Population Per Class:
No class should admit more than 50 students. This policy should be extended to all schools in Kogi Central, except schools that have adequate classrooms and sufficient teachers to accommodate more than 60 students. - Establishment of Local School Security:
Local security units should be set up around schools to ensure students do not roam the streets during school hours and to curb violence and criminal influences. - Sanctions for Over-Admission:
Any principal who admits more than 45 students per class in violation of approved standards should be sanctioned and reassigned to classroom teaching duties. - Support for Less Privileged Students:
Parents, community leaders, and stakeholders should collectively enroll less privileged children within their communities into nearby schools without charging fees, while the government provides financial and material support to sustain their education.
A Call to Action
Education is the backbone of development. When our schools collapse, the future of our children is at risk. Demonstration Standard College, Onyukoko, deserves urgent intervention to prevent further decline. The government, community leaders, parents, and civil society groups must act now to restore discipline, ensure safety, and rebuild the standard of education that Kogi Central was once proud of.
Our children deserve safe schools, quality teachers, and a learning environment that nurtures excellence — not chaos.
— Comrade Obejara Zubair writes from Okene.
