Education

Education is the ability to develop and improve ones mental powers. It is that process of acquiring intellectual, moral, and social instruction. A dictionary defines education as “a process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools or colleges, to improve knowledge and develop skills”. This shows that education is very important as it helps one to develop knowledge and understanding.

The impact of education in our society cannot be over emphasised. Education develops a society through knowledge, scientific research and innovations. Education through technological advancements has revolutionised transport system. It is now possible to commute by bus, trains, cars, aeroplanes, etc as opposed to earlier means of transportation such as horses or camels.

Acquisition of knowledge has also facilitated mechanised methods of farming as opposed to traditional methods. Farmers also have the option of growing crops organically or with fertilisers. Crops can also be genetically modified.

The revolution in telecommunication systems cannot be forgotten. It is now possible to communicate with e-mails, telephones, faxes, mobile phones, etc. Needless to say the advancement in Information superhighway gives users access to millions of information.

It is because of these and other prevailing factors that makes it imperative for Amaigbo natives to train at least a member of their household up to tertiary institution in order to help them acquire the knowledge and skills requisite for their personal development and which will in turn help them to develop the society.

There are currently ten primary, two secondary schools and two tertiary institutions in Amaigbo. Listed below are the names of these primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

Primary Schools

Inland School
Midland School
Town School
State Primary School
Unity Primary School
Union School
Community School
National School
Community School
Central School

Secondary Schools

Dick Tiger Memorial Secondary School 1963

The aforementioned school was named after the late pugilist Dick Tiger. who built the school around 1963. The school at that time was named Adamma commercial school and was named Dick Tiger after the sad demise of the late Richard Ihetu in 1971. Dick Tiger memorial secondary school as the name implies has remained a secondary school since the death of the late Richard Ihetu. It is worth mentioning that the said secondary school has raised many professionals who have made great impact in Amaigbo and beyond.

It is however rather unfortunate that Dick Tiger Memorial secondary school at present does not provide a very good ambience for students learning. Most of the buildings are dilapidated; the roofs are leaking and the presence of condensation in classrooms does not provide a conducive atmosphere for learning. It is certain the great pugilist did not envisage such scenario when he built the school. It is hoped that readers especially the natives and those who attended the school would contribute to restore the school to a habitable and conducive learning environment. The restoration of the school will also keep up with the envisions the late boxer had for helping his fellow natives to acquire skills and knowledge in a friendly, habitable and conducive learning environment.

King Jaja High School 1980

As the natives population began to grow, the demand for entrances into secondary education became imminent, the provision of one secondary school consequently was unable to meet the outstretch demands of learning. The desire to build another secondary school became necessary to educate the natives and also to save them the encumbrance of commuting to far distances, hence, King Jaja High school was built to bridge that gap.

The King Jaja High school was built around 1980 with the help of the Governor in sit late Sam Onunaka Mbakwe. The name as you would have noticed is named afterJaja of Opobo. Sadly, the said school is also experiencing the same problem of dilapidation as with Dick Tiger Memorial Secondary School. Some of the buildings also need major renovations.

Higher Institutions

Amaigbo School of Nursing

Amaigbo School of Nursing, affiliated with St Mary's joint hospital is the first tertiary institution to be established in Amaigbo. The community envisaged the need for health and medical professionals to assist in meeting the medical needs of its locals at thehospital, hence, Amaigbo school of Nursing was set up. Students are presently trained up to degree level.

Amaigbo College of Technology 1995

This is a sequel to Amaigbo School of Nursing. It was inaugurated around the late 1980's and commenced training in 1995. Amaigbo College of Technology offers a wide range of health courses up to degree level. The school is run solely by Amaigbo indigenes.

It goes without saying that education is of paramount importance to the Amaigbo natives, however, it is possible to misconstrue this philosophy given the deplorable conditions in some of the schools. Education as noted earlier is the acquisition of knowledge, but acquiring such knowledge in a deplorable condition poses some constraints which will in the long run affect the learning capability of pupils and students. There is therefore an urgent need to effect the learning environment of students to enable them learn in a conducive atmosphere and appreciate the importance of learning. It would be sad to discover that their desire to acquire knowledge and skills requisite for their future development has been petered out due to a poor conducive learning environment. It is envisaged that all will share in the vision of providing a better learning environment for the learners in order to help towards fostering a better learning ambience for the Amaigbo natives as well as others who pass through Amaigbo schools.