The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has called on the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, to urgently intervene in the suspension of two head teachers accused of being linked to a viral video showing the deplorable state of public school classrooms in Ebonyi State.
FOSAD expressed deep concern over reports that the two teachers were suspended indefinitely by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education following the circulation of a video that exposed the poor learning conditions faced by schoolchildren in parts of the state.
The viral footage, which generated widespread reactions across the country, showed pupils receiving lessons in classrooms with unfinished block walls, inadequate furniture and visibly poor infrastructure that many Nigerians described as unfit for effective teaching and learning.
According to reports, the affected teachers were accused of misconduct and allegedly blamed for the circulation of the video, which authorities claimed portrayed the state government negatively.
In suspension letters dated May 18, 2026 and signed by the Education Secretary of Ezza-North Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Nwonunku, the teachers were directed to immediately hand over all government property in their possession to the next officers in rank.
The letters reportedly accused the teachers of “denying pupils their right to quality education” and “sabotaging the effort” of the governor.
The Forum stated, “While FOSAD recognises the responsibility of educational administrators to uphold professionalism within the school system, we strongly believe that punishing educators for circumstances largely beyond their control sends the wrong signal to teachers, stakeholders and the general public.
“The Forum respectfully submits that the viral video should not be treated as an embarrassment to be suppressed, but rather as an urgent wake-up call demanding immediate government attention and intervention.
“The deplorable condition of classrooms where children are learning is not merely a media issue; it is fundamentally a development and educational emergency that deserves constructive action.
“Instead of suspending the teachers, the government should seize the moment as an opportunity to undertake comprehensive improvements in public school infrastructure across Ebonyi State.”
FOSAD further stated, “We believe that the exposure of poor learning environments can serve as a catalyst for reforms capable of transforming the education sector for the benefit of future generations.
“Education remains the foundation of social progress, economic advancement and national development. Every child, regardless of social status or geographical location, deserves access to safe, conducive and dignified learning spaces.
“Teachers, particularly head teachers in rural and underserved communities, often work under extremely difficult conditions with limited resources and inadequate institutional support.
“In many cases, they become the human shield between struggling pupils and a collapsing educational infrastructure. Holding such individuals solely responsible for systemic deficiencies risks discouraging honesty, transparency and accountability within the education sector.”
FOSAD therefore appealed to Governor Nwifuru, who it said had consistently projected himself as a leader committed to education and human capital development, to demonstrate statesmanship and compassion by ordering the immediate reinstatement of the affected teachers.
It also urged the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education to engage stakeholders constructively rather than adopting punitive measures against educators who are operating within difficult realities.
“Educational challenges cannot be solved through intimidation or scapegoating. They require collaboration, transparency, strategic investment and sustained policy commitment,” FOSAD added.
The Forum further called on the Ebonyi State Government to launch an independent assessment of public-school infrastructure across the state with a view to identifying urgent needs in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, furniture, sanitation and learning materials, stressing, “Such an exercise would not only restore public confidence but also provide a practical roadmap for meaningful educational reforms.
“We encourage the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of schools in rural communities where infrastructural deficits remain severe and where many children continue to learn under conditions that compromise both safety and academic performance.
“The suspension of the two teachers has generated significant public concern because many Nigerians believe the real issue requiring urgent attention is not the existence of the video itself, but the condition of the classrooms shown in the footage.”
FOSAD “therefore respectfully appeals to Governor Nwifuru to use this moment to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to educational development by restoring the suspended teachers and directing immediate intervention in the affected schools.
“The Forum remains committed to supporting all genuine efforts aimed at improving the quality of education, protecting the dignity of teachers and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to a conducive learning environment.”
Signed
Dr. Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
www.fosads.org
