Bigodi Secondary School in Bigodi Town Council, Kamwenge District, is grappling with a growing classroom shortage as student numbers rise without a corresponding expansion in facilities.
Founded in 1992 and granted government aid in 2016, the school now hosts over 620 students across O-Level and A-Level sections, stretching its limited infrastructure to the breaking point.
Headteacher Herbert Nzana said the school is struggling to accommodate the increasing student population.
“We are grappling with serious classroom shortages. The number of students has steadily increased, but the infrastructure has remained the same,” he said.
“At the moment, we are forced to improvise to ensure learning continues, but the situation is far from ideal.”
Nzana added that government support has mainly focused on teacher salaries and textbook provision, with minimal investment in physical infrastructure.
“The government has helped in paying teachers and supplying textbooks, which we appreciate. However, we have not received support for constructing permanent classrooms, which is now our most urgent need,” he explained.
The school administration has repeatedly submitted requests for support but says responses have been slow.
“Every year, we submit requests for support, especially for classrooms, but we have not received a positive response so far,” Nzana noted.
“The only development promised this year is the construction of separate toilets for boys and girls.”
Despite the challenges, Bigodi Secondary School has maintained strong academic performance, recording impressive results in the most recent O-Level and A-Level examinations.
“Our candidates performed very well last year, which shows the commitment of both teachers and students. But to sustain and even improve this performance, we need a better learning environment,” Nzana said.
He has now urged the government and other stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure development, warning that the current conditions could undermine future academic progress.
“Proper classrooms are essential for effective teaching and learning. We appeal to the government to urgently intervene and help us expand our facilities to match the growing enrollment,” he emphasized.
Local leaders and education authorities have yet to comment on the matter.