The Anambra State Government has ordered for the immediate closure of Upcoming Star International School, located on Ifite Road in Awka, following allegations of bullying.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh made the announcement on Tuesday , stating that the government acted upon a report concerning an incident involing a seven-year-old student who was bullied by a classmate, causing harm to her leg.
Chuma-Udeh revealed that the questioning of the school’s proprietorexposed the fact that the institution lacked the necessary approval to operate.
She said,“The pupil was bullied by her classmate, which caused her to break her leg, and the matter was reported to the ministry.
According to Chuma-Udeh, the school’s proprietor, Mr. UchechukwuOnyeachonam, admitted to the bullying incident during questioning.
“The school proprietor, Mr Uchechukwu Onyeachonam, was invited for questioning and he admitted that the offence was committed in his school; it was also discovered the government did not approve the school.
“Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, however, directed that the school be sealed before 2 p.m. today.
“This is because the continued existence of such illegal schools has been causing harm to children in the state“, she stated.
The commissioner warned that owners of unauthorized schools wouldface legal action and advised parents against enrolling their children insuch institutions.
