The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow to provide accommodation for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. The lodge, constructed and furnished by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, Abuja, was fully funded through PTA charges of N3,000 per term. This intervention project aims to address the accommodation needs of Corps members assigned to serve in the school.
During the Commissioning ceremony held within the school premises, Dr. Mohamed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the Secondary Education Board (SEB), expressed his satisfaction with the facilities provided in the newly commissioned lodge. He emphasized that the well-equipped and modernly furnished lodge would create a comfortable and secure environment for Corps members, ultimately enhancing their productivity in the school.
Ladan further highlighted the significance of the PTA’s involvement in the project, stating that it exemplifies their unwavering commitment to improving the educational experience and supporting the larger community. He commended the PTA for their dedication and reiterated the importance of collaboration between the government and various stakeholders in enhancing educational facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the NYSC, Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, the FCT Coordinator, emphasized the organization’s priority of ensuring the welfare and security of Corps members. She commended the effort put into constructing the lodge, emphasizing its alignment with the policy thrust of the NYSC Director-General. This initiative, she stated, contributes to enhancing the security and welfare of Corps members, facilitating optimal service delivery to the nation.
John Okolo, the Chairman of the school’s PTA, revealed that the project was conceived in early 2022, with the groundbreaking ceremony taking place in March 2023. He highlighted the financial commitment of the PTA, with over 17 million Naira raised solely through PTA charges of N3,000 per term. Okolo emphasized the remarkable achievements made possible through the collective effort of the PTA, underscoring their commitment to further improvements should the opportunity arise.
Mr. Victor Orifah, the school principal, spoke about the dire need for additional teaching staff at the school and the vital role Corps members can play in bridging this gap. Noting the challenges faced in retaining Corps members due to the lack of accommodation, Orifah expressed his gratitude for the new lodge, predicting a positive impact on the school’s overall environment. He acknowledged the proactive approach of the school’s PTA, which extends beyond this project to include the regular payment of staff salaries.
The commissioning of the PTA’s multimillion Naira lodge signifies a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance the educational experience of Corps members in Abuja. The collaboration between the FCTA, SEB, and the PTA demonstrates the power of community involvement in delivering sustainable solutions for the betterment of education in Nigeria.
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