Our Reporter, Abuja
Fresh allegations have emerged over how government officials reportedly frustrated efforts to deliver ICT support to a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, despite appeals from the community.
Civil rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, and community leader, Manasseh Allen, had taken to their official X handles to claim that multiple attempts to provide computers and other learning tools to the Government Secondary School, Chibok, were blocked for political reasons.
The school gained global attention following the Chibok schoolgirls abduction, yet, according to the activists, it still lacks basic digital learning infrastructure.
Yesufu said the intervention began after members of the Chibok community reached out over the absence of computers for both staff and students. She said Peter Obi approved the donation of computers and printers and expressed willingness to assess and meet other needs of the school.
However, she alleged that the process was repeatedly stalled.
“First, we were denied access to visit the school. When we suggested alternative arrangements, including meeting in the state capital or any neighbouring state, that was also rejected. Even bringing the principal, teachers and students to Abuja was not allowed,” Yesufu said.
She added that the items were eventually handed over to some members of the Chibok community in Abuja, along with financial support, after all direct delivery options failed.
Corroborating her account, Allen said the situation reflected a broader pattern of bureaucratic and political resistance.
According to him, the school’s principal, who had requested the ICT support, was queried and later transferred, while authorities allegedly issued a directive restricting access to schools without clearance from the state Ministry of Education.
“I was reported as an opposition figure trying to support a government school without permission,” Allen said, adding that the move was interpreted by officials as politically sensitive.
He further alleged that some local political actors initially resisted accepting the items, underscoring tensions between community needs and political considerations.
The activists argue that such actions have discouraged similar interventions in public institutions, forcing donors to redirect efforts to private or mission-owned schools where access is less restricted.
Efforts to obtain official responses from relevant authorities in Borno State were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The claims have intensified concerns over the politicisation of humanitarian and educational support, particularly in vulnerable communities still recovering from the aftermath of insurgency.
