‘You’ll Cry If You See Our Schools’: Bauchi Residents Slam Governor Over Assembly Renovation
Residents of Bauchi State have expressed strong criticism of Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent decision to allocate ₦7.8 billion for the renovation of the State House of Assembly Complex, describing it as a misplaced priority amid widespread decay in the state’s public school infrastructure.
The project, announced on July 22, 2025, includes the modernisation of the legislative chamber, administrative block, committee buildings, and the construction of a new Assembly Service Commission building.
However, many residents say the state’s dire educational conditions should be taking precedence.
The condition of Kofar Nasarawa Primary and Junior School, located in the heart of Bauchi metropolis, has become symbolic of the larger crisis. Leaking roofs, overcrowded classrooms, and collapsing buildings are commonplace—especially in rural areas.
“Many schools in the state are in bad shape,” one resident told reporters. “This is inside Bauchi city. You will cry when you visit some villages and see how government-owned schools have been abandoned.”
The state is also grappling with over 1.3 million out-of-school children, according to local estimates.
Governor Mohammed has defended the expenditure, stating that the project is necessary to improve the efficiency of the legislative arm and ensure equity among government institutions.
But for many citizens, the decision underscores a growing disconnect between the priorities of political leaders and the immediate needs of the people—especially in the education sector.
The backlash reflects broader concerns about governance and accountability. While the Assembly Complex may receive a facelift, many worry that the next generation is being left behind in overcrowded, unsafe, and under-resourced classrooms.
Local educators and parents are calling on the state government to redirect attention and funding toward fixing the education system, describing it as the foundation of any meaningful development.
