Rivers government suspends school over death of two-year-old pupil
The Rivers state government has suspended the operations of Wisdom Gate International School following the death of a two-year-old pupil, Miss Wynne Akekue, who died during school hours in March
The Rivers state government has suspended the operations of Wisdom Gate International School following the death of a two-year-old pupil, Miss Wynne Akekue, who died during school hours in March 2026.
Akekue reportedly died on March 17, 2026, after a bookshelf collapsed on her while she was asleep in a classroom.
Her death has raised concerns among education stakeholders over safety standards in schools across the state, while her parents continue to demand justice.
The child’s father, Dr. Akekue Yasua-gamene, said he was informed that his daughter was asleep when the bookshelf fell on her, adding that she sustained a fractured skull.
He also alleged that the family only learned of the severity of her condition after she had been taken to two hospitals.
He further alleged that there was pressure on the family to proceed with a quick burial and accept a settlement, claims that have intensified public attention on the case.
The mother of the deceased said the incident left the family deeply traumatised, including their other children.
In a statement, the school management confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating loss, and said the pupil was immediately given medical attention but could not be saved.
The Rivers State Ministry of Education has since opened an investigation into the incident and ordered the suspension of the school’s operations.
In a statement dated April 15 and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, the government said the decision followed a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement said, "The Rivers State Ministry of Education has carefully evaluated the tragic incident that occurred at one of our approved schools, Wisdom Gate International Schools in Eligbolo, resulting in the death of a two-year old girl on the 17th of March, 2026.
"While we deeply sympathize with the parents of the child over the irreparable loss, and respect their privacy during this moments of grief, we appeal to members of the public to do same and avoid speculations.
"As a ministry, we have interfaced with the management of the school and conducted our own independent investigations into the incident.
"Consequently, Wisdom Gate International Schools Campus 1, Eligbolo, is hereby suspended from operations and shall not resume academic activities until all issues surrounding the matter are fully resolved.
"The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring standard care, safety and sustainability while continuing to provide quality assurance both in public and private Schools."
