Human Rights Group Uncovers Alleged Poor Feeding Conditions at Kaduna Special Needs School

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna 

The Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative, a human rights and youth advocacy organization, has raised an alarm over what it describes as “deplorable” feeding conditions at a special needs school in Kaduna State.

Speaking to journalists after an undercover fact-finding mission on Monday, the Chairman of the organization, Comrade Daniel Ejembi, described the situation as “highly disheartening and unacceptable,” calling for urgent government intervention.

According to Ejembi, the organization received privileged information alleging that students of the Kaduna State Special Education School, many of whom are deaf and dumb were not being adequately fed, despite funds allocated by government for their feeding.

“We actually stormed the school this morning to get first-hand information, and what we saw is not advisable for any child to experience,” Ejembi stated.

He revealed that investigations showed breakfast for about 730 students reportedly costs only N88,330 in total, translating to about N121 per student, a figure significantly lower than what is officially budgeted.

“Based on the present economic realities, an average student should not be fed on less than N2,000 per day to ensure proper nutrition,” Ejembi emphasized.

The activist further disclosed that the quality of the food served is extremely poor. 

“The tea given to the students is not tea at all. It is like colored water with no milk or nutrients. They just pour two or three moudou of powder into water for 730 students. It is not acceptable in any reasonable society,” he said.

Ejembi also highlighted safety concerns, noting that students, despite their disabilities, are left to cross roads to collect their meals. 

“This is not healthy or safe. In addition, the cooking environment is unhygienic and easily accessible to unauthorized individuals, posing serious health risks,” he added.

He accused officials of serving better-quality meals only when government representatives or the Special Adviser on School Feeding visit the school, suggesting possible corruption or mismanagement.

“This discrepancy shows that something is seriously wrong somewhere, and we urge the government to investigate and correct this injustice,” Ejembi said.

The group warned that if no urgent action is taken, the students may be forced to take to the streets in protest to demand proper feeding and respect for their rights.

Calling on the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, Ejembi urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable students and ensure that the feeding of the special students meets acceptable standards.

“Disability is not a barrier to dignity and care. These children deserve to be treated with respect and provided with adequate nutrition, not neglected and exploited,” he added.

The management of the school could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.