In a distressing turn of events, a 30-year-old teacher, identified as Faith Nwonye, hailing from the Landmark School Mgbakwu situated in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has found herself in legal turmoil.
Allegations have surfaced claiming that Nwonye subjected an eight-year-old pupil under her care to severe physical abuse, resulting in the child slipping into a state of unconsciousness. The gravity of the situation prompted the intervention of the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who, during a press briefing held in her office on Monday, addressed the troubling incident.
Additionally, she announced the immediate and permanent closure of the Landmark School, citing both the appalling assault and its status as an unauthorized educational institution. Prof. Chuma-Udeh wasted no time in summoning the school’s proprietor and the accused teacher, Faith Nwonye, to provide explanations regarding the distressing episode that befell the young primary two pupil.
Following a discussion with the concerned parties, the commissioner elucidated on the rationale behind the school’s closure, emphasizing not only the severity of the incident but also the school’s unlawful operation. Expressing profound dismay over the unfolding events, Prof. Chuma-Udeh conveyed her deep concern for the victim, whose chances of survival, as conveyed by medical professionals, currently stand at a precarious 20%.
The commissioner vehemently denounced the dual transgressions of operating an illegal educational institution and inflicting harm upon a child, cautioning that such actions would be met with severe repercussions. She iterated, “We were informed of this distressing incident involving an illegal educational facility in Mgbakwu, where a child was subjected to grievous physical harm over the weekend. On behalf of the state government, we have engaged the proprietor of the illicit institution as well as the implicated teacher.
“Prof. Chuma-Udeh further stated, “We have referred the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for thorough investigation, awaiting further directives from the Governor. Meanwhile, the immediate and indefinite closure of the school has been decreed, given its unlawful status. “She sternly warned against the perilous consequences of enrolling children in unauthorized schools, underscoring the criminality of such actions.
Addressing proprietors of private educational establishments, she asserted that any operation of unapproved schools within Anambra State would be treated as a criminal offense. Regarding the egregious act of violence perpetrated against the child, the commissioner emphasized the impending legal consequences, assuring that the full extent of the law would be invoked against the errant teacher.
Furthermore, she emphasized the state’s unequivocal stance against all forms of violence, particularly towards children and women, reiterating the Governor’s staunch opposition to such abhorrent behavior.