The Anambra State Government declared on Tuesday the immediate closure of Upcoming Star International School, located on Ifite Road in Awka, due to allegations of bullying involving a seven-year-old student.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made this announcement in Awka, indicating that the government acted upon a report concerning an incident in which a classmate of the pupil allegedly caused her to sustain a leg injury.
Chuma-Udeh further stated that during the questioning of the school’s proprietor, it was revealed that the institution lacked the necessary approval to operate.
“The pupil was bullied by her classmate, which caused her to break her leg, and the matter was reported to the ministry.
“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 mayhem to children in the state,” the commissioner stated.
Chuma-Udeh cautioned that owners of unauthorized educational institutions would be referred to law enforcement authorities for violating state regulations.
Additionally, she advised parents to refrain from enrolling their children in unapproved schools.
