By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Pinn Margaret Secondary Commercial School Old Students Association (Class of 2005) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged neglect and worsening infrastructural decay at the school, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by the Alumni President, Engr. Daniel Christopher Nsese, and made available to journalists, the association lamented that the school, located on Atakpa Street in Calabar South Local Government Area, has suffered years of abandonment, forcing the management to introduce a two-shift system — a situation reportedly unique to the institution across Cross River State.
According to Nsese, Pinn Margaret Secondary Commercial School, once regarded as one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the state, now lies in a state of disrepair. He noted that the school, which has produced many accomplished professionals contributing to national development, is currently grappling with a shortage of classrooms, laboratory equipment, and other basic facilities.
Despite its dilapidated state, the school continues to record remarkable academic achievements. It was nationally recognised by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 2022 as an award-winning institution in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and recently secured 1st and 3rd positions in the 2025 Calabar Carnival Essay and Creative Writing Competition.
A teacher who spoke anonymously described the situation as dire, citing the lack of staff rooms and classroom space as the main reason behind the unusual shift arrangement.
“Our primary challenge is the shortage of classrooms and staff rooms, which is why we run two shifts daily. The morning session runs from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session continues from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Sadly, students in both sessions of the same class may never meet or interact,” the teacher explained.
Another staff member recalled that several years ago, individuals claiming to represent the government and the United Nations came to the school under the pretext of renovating its structures but instead dismantled the roofing sheets and carted them away, worsening the condition of the buildings.
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The alumni body has therefore appealed to the Cross River State Government, relevant agencies, and public-spirited individuals to rescue the school from imminent collapse.
“We appeal to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Education, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey (Member representing Calabar South, Akpabuyo, and Bakassi Federal Constituency), and the Member representing Calabar South in the Cross River State House of Assembly, to come to the school’s aid,” the association pleaded.
Currently, the school lacks electricity, proper wiring, and fittings in classrooms and staff rooms, further compounding its operational challenges.
Founded in 1959 by the late Pinn Margaret as a private school, the institution was later taken over by the Cross River State Government after her demise. Once a symbol of academic excellence in Calabar, it now stands as a reminder of the state’s deteriorating educational infrastructure.
Converseer reports that the government recently intervened, fixing the deplorable status of Government Secondary School, Uwanse, Calabar, which is now wearing a new look, after public outcry.
