Army Day Secondary School in Benin has experienced a surge in enrollment after its rehabilitation by the Edo State government, attracting more than 500 new students from surrounding private schools.
The school, which had fallen into disrepair and was abandoned by many parents, was among the first institutions rehabilitated by Governor Monday Okpebholo shortly after assuming office last year. Before the intervention, the premises had been taken over by miscreants, while the infrastructure remained in a state of disrepair.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, speaking at a student-focused campaign on drug abuse in Benin, said the transformation had restored public confidence in the institution.
“Army Day Secondary School suffered from years of neglect, but today it has become a source of pride,” Iyamu said.
The governor had ordered the immediate construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing structures, and perimeter fencing to secure the premises after an on-site inspection. The work was completed within two months, allowing the school to reopen in improved condition for the September 8 academic session.
Parents responded by enrolling their children in large numbers, reversing a years-long decline in attendance. Once nearly empty, the school now accommodates more than 500 additional students, a development officials say highlights the impact of investment in public education infrastructure.
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