Reptiles Invade Govt Girls College In Akwa Ibom

Parents of students of the Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio
Itong, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have
criticised the Federal Government over the invasion of the college's
dormitory by snakes.

It was learnt that the continued invasion of reptiles in the hostels
is due to thick bushes covering the back of the dormitory. Besides,
deep holes which are caused by the opening of the ground, are said to
have provided habitation for snakes, especially as grasses grow on top
of the hostels' roofs.

A parent and member of Parent Teacher Association of the college, Mr.
Bassey Eyo, said the deplorable state of infrastructure in the college
is a cause for concern.

He revealed that the development was caused by long neglect of the
college by the federal government.

Eyo told PUNCH correspondent that the situation is so bad that the
principal had to vacate her office which had collapsed and had to take
refuge in one of the classrooms she converted to her new office.

"Snakes are natural phenomenon here. Where walls have fallen apart,
the college is not properly fenced or fumigated; the place becomes
havens for reptiles. My daughter and her friends have often times been
complaining of invasion of reptiles in the college.

"Since the inception of the college, first as a teachers' training
college, for more than 40 years, nothing has been added to reflect its
new status as a federal government institution for grooming girls.

"Even in your house, when you allow dilapidation to set in, snakes
could find a place to live. Look at the structures, the walls, and the
hostess, the ground itself has opened up due to long period of neglect
of the college.

"The deplorable state of infrastructure in the college, the dormitory,
the staff quarters, the principal office, even some classrooms are in
terrible state.

"It is hard to imagine that is where government expects to produce
future leaders. I am appealing to all the authorities concerned, the
FG, who happens to be the proprietor of the school, Niger Delta
Development Commission, and Petroleum Education Trust Fund, to
assist," he said.

He stated that parents have done much for the college over the years.
He said that the PTA had provided, to a large extent, some facilities
like new buildings, adding that there was limit to what the
association could do as parents, especially as the school belongs to
the FG.

He noted that the FG had done much work to revamp education in the
country, asking that the effort should also be extended to the
college.