23/09/2026
*ISSUES IN THE NEWS – ORIENT 94.5 FM, OWERRI*
*Outcome of Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 Edition*
Presenter: Jerry Osuji
Topic: Primary and Secondary Education in Imo State
The Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 edition of Issues in the News on Orient 94.5 FM, Owerri, was scheduled to feature the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha.
However, the Commissioner informed the programme that he could not make it because he was attending an emergency State Executive Council (Exco) meeting.
Despite his absence, Presenter Jerry Osuji proceeded with the programme and opened the phone lines to listeners. There was a strong response, with callers from different parts of Imo State sharing their experiences and concerns about primary and secondary education.
A caller from Ngor Okpala observed that many parents have moved their children from government schools to private schools. A caller from Amakohia-Uratta attributed part of this movement to concerns about assignments, supervision and the level of attention some teachers give to pupils.
A caller from Abor, Mbaise, raised concerns about the shortage of teachers in government primary and secondary schools, saying the situation affects the number of subjects taught and places too much pressure on the available teachers. He also called for improved libraries and learning facilities and stronger attention to discipline.
Another caller offered a positive experience with government schools, saying her child performed better in a government school than in a private school. She, however, raised concerns about curriculum compliance, inadequate classroom space and alleged examination malpractice in some private schools. She called for government to equip laboratories and improve facilities in public schools.
A caller from Mbieri complained about some government elementary schools with inadequate roofing, furniture and teachers, while a caller from Ikeduru noted that many present-day leaders were products of government schools and appealed for renewed attention to the public education system. He also raised concerns about the welfare and payment of community teachers.
From Obowo, another caller emphasized the shortage of teachers, saying some schools have very few teachers handling several classes. He called for prompt deployment of teachers and the issuance of posting letters.
Key Issues Raised
Across the various contributions, the major concerns included:
* Shortage and deployment of teachers;
* Inadequate classrooms, furniture and other infrastructure;
* Need for libraries, laboratories and learning materials;
* Movement of pupils and students from government to private schools;
* Quality of teaching, assignments and supervision;
* Discipline among students;
* Regulation and curriculum compliance in private schools; and
* Welfare of community teachers.
The programme demonstrated the strong interest of parents and communities in the future of education in Imo State and provided an avenue for listeners to bring their experiences directly to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Commissioner to Return
At the end of the programme, Jerry Osuji assured listeners that Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, would take another date to appear on Issues in the News.
The new date will be communicated to listeners once it is confirmed, giving the Commissioner an opportunity to respond to the issues and concerns raised during the programme.
Issues in the News – Orient 94.5 FM, Owerri
Presenter: Jerry Osuji
