The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate closure of a private school in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area following the controversial death of a two-year-old pupil within its premises.
The victim reportedly died during school hours last month at Wisdom Gate International School, located in the Eligbolo area, under circumstances that have sparked conflicting accounts between the school authorities and the child’s family.
While the school management claimed that the toddler was fatally injured after a book fell from a shelf, the bereaved family alleged that a classroom shelf collapsed on the child, leading to her death.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, directed the suspension of all academic activities on the affected campus, pending the conclusion of investigations.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Nwagor said the decision followed a preliminary review by the ministry and engagements with both the school management and the victim’s family.
He noted that the facility would remain shut until all issues surrounding the tragic incident are thoroughly resolved.
“The Ministry of Education has carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of a two-year-old girl at Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo, on March 17, 2026,” the statement read.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations continue.
The commissioner added that the ministry had initiated its own independent inquiry into the matter, stressing that the safety of pupils in both public and private schools remains a top priority of the government.
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He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to enforcing standards that guarantee the welfare and protection of children in learning environments across the state.
