At least 9,039 of the 11,263 classrooms in Bauchi State representing 80% do not have enough seats for pupils, the 2024 Annual School Census report shows.
The survey found that 1,442 public primary schools (37%) conduct some lessons outdoors, mostly under trees, due to a shortage of usable classrooms.
A WikkiTimes analysis of the census further revealed that 6,137 classrooms about half in the state lack functional blackboards, compounding the challenge of delivering quality teaching and learning.
The report, jointly produced by the State Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Education, detailed the challenges bedeviling basic education in Bauchi.
Across LGAs
The report reveals that 100% of classrooms in Dambam and Dass LGAs suffer inadequate chairs for pupils with Damban also topping the list of classrooms without good blackboards.
According to the data, in Ningi, 97% of classrooms are under‑seated and 77% lack usable blackboards. Bauchi and Zaki LGAs each record 89% of classrooms with insufficient seats; nearly half of Bauchi LGA’s and almost two‑thirds of Zaki’s classrooms also lack functional blackboards.
The survey further disclosed that Tafawa Balewa, Toro, Alkaleri, and Warji LGAs show more than 80% of classrooms without enough seats. By contrast, Darazo (26%), Katagum (30%) and Jama’are (35%) report the lowest proportions of classrooms without good blackboards.
Impact on Learning
UNICEF and the Universal Basic Education Commission previously ranked Bauchi among states with the highest numbers of out‑of‑school children. Education experts warn that without urgent infrastructure investment, poor classroom conditions will drive more pupils away from school.
“This is a glaring indictment of the government’s commitment to basic education,” said Salihu Musa, a Bauchi‑based education rights activist. “Students cannot learn sitting on bare floors or from broken blackboards.”
SUBEB’s Reaction
Malam Isah Jungudo, PRO of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), told WikkiTimes in an interview that the board has compiled community complaints on seats and buildings and is awaiting intervention funds for 2024.
“We acknowledge the seating and classroom gaps. Funds are expected soon, and we will prioritise repairs and procurement,” he said.
When asked what SUBEB proposed for primary schools infrastructure in 2025, he argued that the reporter should reach out to Budget Ministry.
He added that SUBEB Chairman whom could have given further details was currently out of the country.
Civil‑society groups and education stakeholders have long called on the state government to increase budgetary allocations for primary‑school infrastructure and, rehabilitate dilapidated classrooms for better learning environment.
