The head teacher of Community Primary School, Umunze, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been suspended indefinitely for allegedly allowing a political campaign rally to take place within the school premises during school hours.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the suspension, describing the head teacher’s action as a “gross violation” of government directives prohibiting political or social gatherings in public schools.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Education had earlier issued a standing order barring political meetings, rallies, or any form of non-academic gatherings in schools to ensure that learning environments remain safe and apolitical.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed regret that the incident disrupted academic activities and put pupils’ safety at risk.
“The head teacher disobeyed an existing order of the ministry, which banned gatherings of any sort in schools. The state government is preparing to institute legal action against the organisers of the rally, whose activities disrupted classes and endangered the lives of the children,” she stated.
READ ALSO: Nigerians revive ‘Justice For Ochanya’ seven years after teen’s death
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and safeguarding children in all educational institutions, emphasising that schools must remain neutral and focused solely on learning.
She warned that similar infractions would attract severe sanctions, noting that the government would not tolerate any attempt to use public schools as platforms for partisan activities or political mobilisation.
Sources within the community revealed that the rally, reportedly organised by a local political group, took place during school hours and attracted a large crowd, leading to a temporary suspension of lessons. The situation, they said, caused panic among pupils and teachers before security operatives intervened to restore order.
The development has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some commending the government’s firm stance on protecting the sanctity of the school environment, while others urged for a thorough investigation to ensure that the head teacher is not unfairly punished if she had no control over the event.