The management of Wisdom Gate International School in Eligbolo, near Port Harcourt, has appealed to the Rivers State Government to lift the suspension placed on the institution following the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil.
The pupil, Wynnie Akakue, reportedly died after a bookshelf fell on her while she was asleep in a classroom on March 17. The incident sparked outrage, with the child’s parents accusing the school of attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding her death and demanding justice.
In response, the Rivers State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, stated that the institution would remain shut until a full investigation is concluded and all issues related to the incident are resolved.
However, the school’s proprietress, Toyon Obikoya, has pleaded with authorities to reconsider the decision, noting that the closure is affecting other pupils and staff.
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She described the situation as heartbreaking and emphasized that the school remains deeply saddened by the loss.
Obikoya also revealed that the management had made efforts to reach out to the deceased child’s family through community and religious leaders, expressing condolences and seeking dialogue.
Meanwhile, some parents of pupils have joined the appeal, expressing concern over the prolonged shutdown. They say it is disrupting their children’s education and placing financial and emotional strain on families, as well as leaving teachers without jobs.
While acknowledging the gravity of the incident, the parents urged the government to balance justice with compassion for other affected stakeholders.
The case has since been taken to court, and the school management has assured that it will fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.
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