Anambra State Government Bans Social Gatherings on School Premises

In a decisive move to safeguard the integrity of educational environments, the Anambra State Government has officially banned all social events, including weddings, shows, and entertainment, on public school premises. This policy change was announced by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, in a statement issued through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, in Awka on Saturday. The decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to protect school infrastructure from damage and misuse. “This is a warning to all principals and head teachers to desist from using school premises as commercial ventures,” Chuma-Udeh stated, emphasizing that school properties are meant for educational purposes, not for hosting social events.

The Commissioner warned that any principal or primary school head teacher found permitting such activities on school grounds would face severe disciplinary action. The directive aims to ensure that the physical environments of schools remain conducive to learning and free from the wear and tear associated with large gatherings. To ensure full compliance with this new directive, Chuma-Udeh instructed the Chairmen of the Post Primary Schools Services Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board to disseminate the information to all school principals and head teachers across the state. The message was clear: school heads must adhere strictly to this policy.

The Anambra State Government's decision has been met with widespread approval among those who believe that school facilities should be preserved for the educational development of students. By eliminating non-educational activities on school premises, the government aims to maintain a focused, undistracted learning environment for students throughout the state. This policy marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education in Anambra by ensuring that school infrastructures are used solely for their intended purpose—education.