The principal of Odomola Junior Secondary School in Epe, Lagos state, has come under fire for allegedly sending a student home for using a poster of one of the candidates in the last presidential election to wrap her exercise books.
On Tuesday, the father of the 10-year-old girl claimed in a now-viral post that the principal sent his daughter home for using a poster of Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, on her books.
The student’s father also included a note from the principal directing his daughter to go home with his message.
The student was instructed to go home and “campaign for Peter Obi against the wishes of Lagosians,” according to the note.
Folasade Adefisayo, the state commissioner for education, announced on Wednesday that an investigation into the matter has begun.
In a statement issued by Ganiu Lawal, the ministry’s spokesperson, Adefisayo said the principal will be summoned to explain what happened.
The commissioner also stated that neither the state nor the ministry directed any school principal, personnel, or teachers to act in this manner.
Lagos State Ministry of Education’s Full statement
Lagos State Ministry of Education is investigating the complaint of a parent that his child was sent out of school for using the poster of one of the contestants in the last election to wrap his books.
The incident was reported to have happened at Odomola Junior Secondary School, Epe. The Ministry has recalled the principal, who will be asked to explain the incident.
The Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Education and all its agencies will never instruct any school principal, personnel or teacher to act in such a manner.
The HC Education, Folasade Adefisayo, reassures the public that the matter will be dealt with within the scope of our strict regulations as the reason for sending home the student is unacceptable – if true.
Mrs Adefisayo also hinted that another school principal at Odonguyan who was caught on camera, as shared on social media, promoting her political choice to the students has been subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.
The Ministry promotes and runs a public school system devoid of politics and political insinuations. Thorough investigation of the matter will be carried out and anyone found culpable will be subjected to disciplinary measures.
