Anambra Commissioner Condemns Noise Disruption of Academic Activities in Onitsha School

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has condemned reported cases of noise pollution disrupting academic activities in a private school in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.

The Commissioner expressed her displeasure while responding to a petition submitted to her office by the Proprietress of the school, Lady Ngozi Grace Udeh, against Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Onitsha, located directly opposite the school premises.

According to the petition, the church, which constructed its auditorium in 2024, has recently intensified its activities, generating excessive noise particularly on Tuesdays, when services reportedly run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“The noise has consistently distracted students and teachers, severely disrupting teaching and learning during official school hours.

“Despite several verbal appeals to the church leadership, the situation has not improved.”

But the commissioner, while addressing both parties in her office insisted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration would not condone any act that infringes on the constitutional right of students to learn in a peaceful and conducive environment.

She emphasized that noise pollution is an offence under Nigerian law and is punishable once established.

The Commissioner called on religious institutions to ensure that noise generated from their premises was properly contained, especially when schools are located within hearing distance.

While noting that Promise International School existed long before the church moved into the area, Chuma-Udeh urged the church to explore peaceful ways of coexisting with the school, describing such conduct as consistent with the true values of Christianity.

She directed the church to reschedule weekday activities to commence from 4:00 p.m., after school hours, saying failure to comply with the directives would compel the Ministry to involve Ministry of Environment, with all attendant legal consequences.

“While churches may hold activities from morning till evening on Saturdays and Sundays, external examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB must take precedence, even on Saturdays,” she stressed.

Responding, Asst Pastor of Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Emmanuel Ukpabi pledged that the church would seek ways to work harmoniously with the school to ensure mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.