Dougirei Secondary School in Yola North Local Government Area is in severe disrepair, according to a report by Punch. Located less than 100 metres behind the Adamawa State Government House, the school’s condition contrasts with its proximity to power. Arewa PUNCH visited on Tuesday and documented collapsing ceilings, no water, and unusable toilets. The report states the facility resembles an abandoned camp, forcing staff and students to conduct lessons under trees.
The lack of utilities creates hazardous conditions. Punch reported that the school has no water despite being near the State Water Board, shutting toilets and forcing students to use bushes. Teachers described ceilings falling apart, creating spaces for reptiles. The staff room is too small for all personnel, and there is no examination hall. Students sit on stones to write external exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination under open skies.
Academic quality suffers from missing facilities. Staff told Punch the school offers science subjects but has no laboratory. They attributed poor performance in science to this deficit, stating learners cannot acquire required practical knowledge. The report highlighted that a lack of desks hinders teaching. Some teachers brought personal mats as improvised seating.
Environmental challenges worsen the decay. Punch reported severe flooding during rains. Water from Government House drainage pipes flows into the school, disrupting classes and forcing suspensions to ensure safety. Parents-Teachers Association Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Usman told Punch he wrote many letters to the Ministry of Education without response. He said he is "waiting for God’s intervention, not man’s intervention again."
This situation scrutinizes Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s education policies. Punch cited budget allocations rising from N17.32bn in 2020 to N40.63bn in 2026. Stakeholders demand transparency on fund usage. Punch attempted to contact Education Commissioner Dr Umar Pella, but he was unavailable and did not return calls.