By Ikeugonna Eleke
A 30-year old teacher, Faith Nwonye, has been arrested for allegedly beating an 8-year old pupil to coma in Anambra State.
It was gathered that the affected school, Landmark School, Mgbakwu, in Awka North Local Government Area, has been shut permanently by the Anambra State Government.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, disclosed this to reporters in her office on Monday.
The Commissioner had invited the school’s Proprietor and the teacher to explain what led to the brutalization of the primary two pupil before the arrest.
Chuma-Udeh said the school’s closure was not only based on the incident but as a result of its illegal status. She expressed sadness over the development.
She described the school’s Management as criminals running illegal school in the state. Her words, ‘We received (the report of) this unfortunate incident from an illegal school in Mgbakwu that a child was beaten to coma over the weekend.
‘On behalf of the State Government, we invited the Proprietress of the illegal school, as well as the teacher, who purportedly beat the child.
‘We’ve handed the matter to the police for further investigations as we await Mr Governor’s directives.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner said the school had been closed down indefinitely as it was not supposed to exist in the first instance. She said any parent who enrolled their child in an illegal school, did so at their own peril.
‘To the Proprietors of private schools, anyone running an unapproved school in Anambra is a criminal. It’s a criminal offence to run an illegal school in the state.
‘Whether the school is legal or not, it’s criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, chances of survival of the child is 20%.
‘As soon as the Police are done, the teacher will face other institutions against child rights. She’s going to have the full wrath of the law brought upon her over her actions.
‘Anambra State abhors violence to children, women and any other person. It’s not part of this administration and Mr. Governor is against such,’ Chuma-Udeh said.
