The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has criticised recent directives from the Imo State Ministry of Education, describing them as increasingly authoritarian and excessive.
In a statement issued on September 4, Archbishop Ugorji said some of the directives affecting mission and private schools were undermining collaboration, academic freedom and the role of key stakeholders in education.
The Archbishop particularly questioned the directive requiring Christian schools in the state to observe Islamic holidays, as well as government decisions on school resumption and closing dates. He also accused the Commissioner of Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, of threatening disciplinary action against educators who raise professional concerns and attempting to control the selection and pricing of textbooks.
He warned that such policies could create an atmosphere of fear and discourage critical thinking and diversity of ideas in schools.
Archbishop Ugorji called on the Commissioner to suspend the unilateral directives and engage education stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. He also appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene, while urging elected representatives to investigate what he described as abuses of power within the Ministry of Education.
The Archbishop further expressed solidarity with affected educators and families, stressing that education should be built on collaboration, professional responsibility and respect for the contributions of all stakeholders.
