family condemns government's decision to reopen school linked to toddler's death

By Sandra Kenneth

17\07\2026

The Rivers State Government has lifted the suspension on Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo Campus, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, four months after the tragic death of a two-year-old pupil led to its closure.

The reopening has triggered strong opposition from the deceased toddler's family, who slammed the government for authorizing resumption while criminal proceedings remain pending in court and the child is yet to be buried.

Operations at the private institution were suspended in April following the death of little Wynne Akekue, who died on March 17 after a bookshelf reportedly collapsed on her while she was asleep in a classroom. The tragedy sparked widespread outrage and raised urgent concerns regarding safety guidelines in schools across the state.

However, in a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, announced that the school had been cleared to resume academic activities.

"This decision follows a thorough investigation and confirmation by the Ministry of Education that Wisdom Gate International School has met the required safety standards and upgraded its facilities as instructed," the statement read. Nwagor warned the management to prevent any recurrence, adding that the ministry remains committed to enforcing safety across all public and private institutions.

The decision has drawn fierce criticism from the victim's father, Dr. Isuaka Akekue, who expressed shock and disappointment during a radio appearance on Nigeria Info 92.3 FM on Friday evening.

Dr. Akekue revealed that the family has yet to see the report of the independent investigation conducted by the Ministry of Education, warning that reopening the campus prematurely could interfere with potential court-ordered inspections of the scene.

“I’m actually very concerned about this because the letter we got from the Ministry of Education at the time they closed the school said it would only be reopened when every matter concerning this issue had been resolved," Dr. Akekue lamented. "As it is, my daughter is still in the morgue, yet to be buried. Investigations have not been concluded, we don't know what they came up with, and you understand we are in court.”

The case is currently before a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, where the school's proprietor and four management staff members are facing charges related to complicity in the toddler’s death.