IBN News | October 26, 2026
The Owan West Local Government Council has initiated steps towards reopening the long-abandoned Nomadic Primary School in Okhiose Village, in a move aimed at restoring access to education for children in the underserved community.
The Executive Chairman of Owan West Local Government, Hon. Chief Aikpokpo Enahoro, initiated the move as part of his administration’s stated commitment to inclusive development and improving educational opportunities in rural communities.
Enahoro was represented during a visit to Okhiose by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Thomas Ale, who led a delegation to inspect the school premises and engage with community leaders on the proposed reopening.
Other members of the delegation were the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Collins Asije; the Chairman’s Personal Assistant, Hon. Ohije Obadan; and the Head of the Department of Social, Education and Community Development, Mr. Alasa Abdulwahab.
According to a press release issued by the council, the visit was intended to assess the condition of the abandoned school, understand the challenges facing the community and explore measures required to restore academic activities.
Security Concerns Forced Children Out of School
During discussions with the delegation, the community leader, Mr. Alaba Adichie, reportedly explained that the school had been closed for more than three years following security concerns, including kidnapping incidents in Okhiose and neighbouring areas.
The incidents reportedly created fear among residents and prompted families to withdraw their children from the school, leaving many young learners without convenient access to formal education within their community.
Adichie said some children had been compelled to trek to neighbouring communities, including Sobe and Atoruru, to continue their education.
For families unable to afford the cost and demands of sending their children elsewhere, the situation had created difficult choices, with some children reportedly becoming involved in domestic work rather than attending school.
The development highlights the challenges faced by children in remote communities when insecurity and inadequate educational infrastructure combine to restrict access to learning.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises education as a fundamental right, while Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education framework provides for access to free and compulsory basic education. Restoring the Okhiose school would therefore represent an important step towards improving access for children who have faced prolonged disruption to their schooling.
Council Inspects Deteriorating Facilities
During the visit, community leaders conducted a tour of the school premises, revealing classroom buildings, toilets and other facilities that had deteriorated and require rehabilitation before academic activities can safely resume.
The school occupies an estimated area of 500 feet by 500 feet, according to the council’s statement.
The extent of the deterioration raises questions about the work and resources required to make the facility suitable for pupils and teachers again. Beyond reopening the premises, attention will be needed to ensure that classrooms, sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure meet basic educational and safety requirements.
The council delegation assured the community that security arrangements would be provided when the school reopens.
However, the successful return of pupils and teachers will depend on translating that assurance into practical and sustainable measures capable of restoring confidence among parents and residents.
Community Welcomes Initiative, Requests Water System Repairs
Adichie commended the local government chairman for initiating efforts to reopen the school and expressed the community’s willingness to cooperate with the council to make the project successful.
He also appealed for adequate security to protect pupils, teachers and other school personnel when classes resume.
In addition to the school’s challenges, the community leader requested repairs to the solar-powered system serving the community’s borehole, which provides water for domestic and agricultural purposes.
The appeal highlights the wider infrastructure needs confronting the community. Reliable access to water is essential to household welfare, public health and agricultural activities, particularly in rural settlements where residents depend heavily on local water sources.
Residents reportedly welcomed the council’s visit, describing it as a renewed sign of government attention to their community. Community leaders also reaffirmed their readiness to work with the administration towards achieving the proposed reopening.
Reopening Must Translate Into Lasting Educational Access
The proposed reopening of the Okhiose Nomadic Primary School presents an opportunity for the Owan West administration to address a prolonged interruption in children’s education.
But the success of the initiative will depend on more than reopening the school gates. The authorities will need to address the condition of the facilities, ensure the availability of teachers, provide a safe learning environment and sustain the security arrangements required to keep pupils and staff protected.
There is also a need to ensure that children who have missed years of schooling receive appropriate support to return to the classroom and continue their education.
For parents, the prospect of a functioning school within their community could reduce the burden of sending children to neighbouring settlements. For the wider community, it could strengthen educational access and support long-term social and economic development.
The security concerns cited by residents also underline the importance of coordination between the local government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community stakeholders. A school can only serve its purpose effectively when parents have sufficient confidence in the safety of their children.
As the proposed reopening process progresses, residents will be looking for concrete action to rehabilitate the premises, restore essential services and establish reliable security arrangements.
The initiative marks a potentially significant development for Okhiose Village. Its ultimate impact, however, will be measured by whether children can return to school safely and remain there to receive the education they deserve.
The press release was signed by Comrade Ilevbare Duro Sylvester, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council.
