Anambra Government on Tuesday shut down Upcoming Star International School, at Ifite Road, Awka, following the alleged bullying of a seven-year-old pupil.
State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the development in Awka, saying that the government responded to a report that the pupil’s classmate allegedly broke her leg.
According to Chuma-Udeh, when the school’s proprietor was invited for questioning, it was discovered the school did not have the 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.
“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 school was not approved by the government.
“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.”
She warned that proprietors of illegal schools would be prosecuted for contravening the laws of the state.
The commissioner also urged parents to desist from sending their children and wards to unapproved schools.
