By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced plans to rehabilitate infrastructure at Ife Girls High School in Ife Local Government Area of Osun State under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Customs Cares.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the school on May 29, 2026, to evaluate the scope of intervention required ahead of the commencement of rehabilitation works.
The visit formed part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to identify and address critical needs in public institutions through the Customs Cares Initiative, with education remaining one of its key focus areas.
Speaking during the inspection, Adeniyi said the decision to intervene followed reports on the deteriorating condition of the school and a firsthand assessment of its facilities.
“There is so much to be done here, and what I have come to do is a preliminary assessment of the scope of work required,” he said.
According to the Customs boss, the school, which was established more than six decades ago, was once known for academic excellence and a disciplined learning culture. However, years of neglect have adversely affected its infrastructure and learning environment.
He expressed concern over the condition of classrooms, laboratories, sanitary facilities, and the library, noting that some sections of the school premises had become overgrown and unsafe for students.
Adeniyi assured stakeholders that the rehabilitation project would be carefully executed to avoid disrupting academic activities. He added that necessary approvals had been secured and consultations with relevant stakeholders were ongoing to ensure a smooth implementation process.
He also urged school authorities, parents, and members of the community to support efforts to preserve the facilities after rehabilitation, stressing that sustainable development requires collective responsibility.
“We are determined to contribute towards creating a conducive learning environment that will inspire students and support educational development,” he stated.
The school’s principal, Mrs. Akinremi Martina, described the planned intervention as timely and impactful, expressing confidence that it would significantly improve learning conditions and reposition the institution for greater academic achievements.
Providing a technical assessment of the facility, the Managing Director of Oak Builders Company, Engr. Kehinde Adeyimo, identified major structural concerns, including damaged perimeter fencing and encroachment on portions of the school premises, which he said would require urgent attention during the rehabilitation process.
He noted that the intervention is expected to enhance the learning environment, strengthen security within the school, and contribute to the overall development of education in the community through the Customs Cares Initiative.
