A school once built to give deaf children hope now faces serious challenges. A new report alleges years of neglect, insecurity and abuse at the Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf.
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf, once regarded as a centre of learning for children with hearing impairments, has reportedly fallen into severe disrepair, exposing students to poor living conditions, insecurity and allegations of sexual abuse. The findings were contained in an investigative report by Uche Okere, which examined the conditions at the school.
According to the report, the school’s buildings have deteriorated after years of inadequate maintenance, while essential facilities needed for teaching and student welfare have continued to decline. The report also alleges that students face security concerns and live in an environment that does not adequately protect their safety and well-being. Extra News Nigeria has not independently verified all the allegations contained in the report.
The investigation further alleges that some students have experienced sexual abuse, raising fresh concerns about child protection and the safety of learners with disabilities. The report calls for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to improve infrastructure, strengthen security and ensure that allegations of abuse receive proper investigation. As of the time of this report, no official response from the Imo State Government or the school’s management addressing the specific allegations had been made public.
The Imo State Secondary School for the Deaf has served children with hearing impairments for many years, providing educational opportunities for students who often face barriers to learning. Advocacy groups have consistently called for increased investment in special education, improved facilities and stronger safeguarding measures for students living with disabilities across Nigeria.
The development means renewed attention is likely to focus on the welfare of students in special education institutions across the country. If the allegations contained in the report are confirmed through official investigations, they could prompt reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening child protection measures and ensuring that vulnerable students receive the safe learning environment guaranteed under Nigeria’s education and child rights laws.
