Lagos probes principal who ‘sent pupil home for wrapping book with Obi’s poster’

The principal of Odomola Junior Secondary School, in Epe, Lagos state, has come under fire for allegedly sending a pupil home for using the poster of one of the contestants in the last presidential election to wrap her exercise books.

 

In a now-viral post on Tuesday, the father of the 10-year-old girl claimed the principal sent his daughter home for using the poster of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), on her books.

The father of the pupil also accompanied his message with a note allegedly issued by the principal directing his daughter to go home.

In the note, the pupil was asked to go home to “campaign for Peter Obi against the wish of Lagosians”.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, Folasade Adefisayo, the state commissioner for education, announced that an investigation has commenced into the matter.

 

Adefisayo, in the statement issued by Ganiu Lawal, the ministry’s spokesperson, said the principal will be summoned to explain what transpired.

The commissioner also said the state and the ministry did not instruct any school principal, personnel, or teacher to act in such a manner.

 

 “The 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 statement reads.

"The incident was reported to have happened at Odomola Junior Secondary School, Epe, and the Ministry has recalled the principal, who will be asked to explain the incident.”

 

Adefisayo assured the public that justice would be served in the matter.

 

The commissioner added that appropriate sanctions would be applied if the principal is found guilty.

 

The development has continued to elicit intense reactions on social media platforms.