Assistant Editor of The Sun Newspapers, Magnus Eze, has emerged as the Education Reporter of the Year 2023, clinching the Ibrahim Shekarau Prize for Best Education Report at the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA), which was held last night (Sunday, December 15) at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
Eze earned the recognition for his special report titled “Ebonyi: Pupils without teachers,” published in the Daily Sun on November 24, 2023.
The in-depth investigation spotlighted the dire state of basic education in Ebonyi State, where pupils endure poor learning conditions in dilapidated classrooms, often sitting on bare floors.
The report revealed a near-total absence of basic sanitation facilities like toilets and potable water, further compounding the challenges faced by these students.
The report also uncovered a troubling imbalance in staffing across schools in the state, with some institutions struggling without teachers while others suffered from over-staffing.
Additionally, overcrowded classrooms were a recurring issue in certain communities, worsening the quality of education.
The findings were initially brought to light by a USAID-sponsored survey conducted by Technology for Transformative Development Foundation (TTD), a non-governmental organization passionate about advancing basic education.
TTD’s Executive Director, Ewah Otu Eleri, described the situation in some schools as “akin to poultry farms,” underscoring the severity of the conditions.
Building on TTD’s study, Eze and his team at The Sun dedicated over six months to verifying and expanding on the report.
The painstaking investigation took them across rural parts of Ebonyi State, engaging with stakeholders and witnessing the harsh realities firsthand.
Reflecting on his achievement, a delighted Eze expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the critical role of his colleagues, particularly the Editor, Daily Sun, and Associate Editor, Lifeline and Investigation.
“This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without their tireless support and contributions,” he said.
