Pressure is mounting on the Rivers State Government to reopen Wisdom Gate International School, Elimgbo, following the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil, as the school management and concerned parents intensify appeals for leniency.
The school was shut down after the fatal March 17 incident involving Wynnie Akakue, who reportedly died from injuries sustained when a bookshelf collapsed on her while she slept in a classroom, sparking outrage and allegations of a cover-up by her parents.
Despite the government’s firm stance, the proprietress of the school, Toyon Obikoya, on Tuesday pleaded for mercy, saying the prolonged closure was crippling academic activities and threatening the livelihoods of teachers.
She described the shutdown as shocking but acknowledged the authority of the state to act, while urging officials to weigh the impact on other pupils.
“We are appealing for understanding. The children here are also affected. Their education is being disrupted, and parents are under pressure,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Education, Peters Nwagor, had earlier insisted that the school would remain closed until investigations into the incident are concluded.
Meanwhile, some parents of pupils expressed distress over the continued closure, saying it has thrown families into confusion and imposed financial strain due to the sudden need to relocate their children.
One parent, who identified herself as Cynthia, described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that while the loss of the child was irreparable, the shutdown was compounding the hardship faced by other families.
Another parent lamented the economic implications, warning that teachers risk losing their jobs if the closure persists.
Obikoya said the school had made efforts to reach the bereaved family through community and religious leaders to express condolences, stressing that the intention was not to intimidate but to show empathy.
She added that the matter is already before the court and assured that the school would cooperate fully with investigations.
The parents of the deceased, however, have maintained their demand for justice, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.
As the controversy lingers, stakeholders say the government faces a delicate balance between ensuring justice for the deceased child and addressing the growing concerns of affected pupils, parents, and staff.