Despite being among the three existing secondary schools in Yenagoa as in 1996 when Bayelsa State was created, Gbaranowei Grammar School Okolobiri has continued to be a shadow of itself.
The school, which was among one of the best and popular post-primary institutions in Old River State, is now left without even school desks for students to receive lessons, not to talk of other learning facilities.
When Daily Trust visited the once-popular secondary school, it was observed that for many years, the state government has not provided the school with common desks for students to sit on, just as staff are left hanging around without functional staff rooms.
Established in 1973 by the Old Rivers State government as Government Grammar School Okolobiri, it was later changed to Gbarainnwei Grammar School upon the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
The school has produced prominent Nigerians from all walks of life. The current Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi graduated from the school in 1982. Also, the present Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Bayelsa State, Ayibaina Duba, is a product of the school.
Several prominent personalities, especially from Rivers, Bayelsa, and neighbouring Delta State also passed through the citadel.
Daily Trust learned that since the creation of Bayelsa State, the state government has not shown interest in upgrading facilities in the school.
Some staff told our correspondent that parents have contributed so far through the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) for the school to exist up to date.
Read More: https://dailytrust.com/inside-bayelsa-school-where-students-write-exams-on-bare-floor
