Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Awka, Anambra State — The Anambra State Government, under Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has sounded a firm warning to churches operating near schools across the state, urging religious institutions to avoid generating excessive noise during official school hours that could disrupt learning and undermine students’ right to a peaceful educational environment. The directive, issued through the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, responds to a formal complaint from a private school in Onitsha, one of the state’s busiest commercial hubs.
The matter came to the fore after the proprietress of a private school located directly opposite the Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry lodged a petition with the Ministry of Education alleging that services held during the week — particularly on Tuesdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. — were producing excessive noise loud enough to disturb both teachers and pupils during crucial instructional hours. According to the petition, repeated verbal appeals to the church leadership had failed to yield meaningful improvements before the matter was escalated to government authorities.
Addressing representatives of both the school and the church at a meeting convened in Awka, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh expressed the state government’s concern, emphasising that students’ constitutional right to learn in a conducive environment cannot be compromised by external disruptions. She described noise pollution — especially when it interferes with school activities — as an offence under Nigerian law that is punishable upon established violation.
In her remarks, the commissioner urged religious institutions to take proactive steps to contain sound levels emanating from their premises, particularly where schools are located within hearing distance. To that end, she directed the church in question to reschedule its weekday activities to start after school hours — specifically after 4:00 p.m. — to minimise the impact on teaching and learning.
The government also stated that while churches are free to hold services on weekends or outside school hours, external examinations such as WAEC, NECO and JAMB must be given precedence, even when they fall on Saturdays. Failure to comply with the directive, the commissioner warned, could result in the involvement of the Ministry of Environment and the initiation of appropriate legal action against offending institutions.
Responding to the government’s position, the Assistant Pastor of Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Emmanuel Ukpabi, said the church leadership would work collaboratively with the school and government authorities to find a harmonious balance that respects both religious practice and the educational needs of students.
The policy reflects a broader stance by the Soludo administration on noise pollution in the state. In the past, Governor Soludo has reiterated that his government’s focus on noise control targets excessive and disruptive sound, not the freedom of religious worship or expression. Authorities have clarified that noise pollution regulations under existing public health laws apply to all sources of loud sound, including religious activities, market preaching, and other public gatherings that interfere with residents’ peace and lawful activities.
Beyond this specific case, the directive has sparked conversation among residents and faith leaders about the need to balance vibrant religious life with community coexistence and social obligations such as uninterrupted education. While some commentators view enforcement of noise regulations as essential to maintaining order, others have urged authorities to ensure that measures respect religious freedoms while protecting public wellbeing.
As the government and local institutions continue to engage on this issue, schools and religious bodies across Anambra are being reminded of their shared responsibility to uphold peaceful coexistence. Authorities have reiterated that regulatory compliance and mutual respect are key to fostering community harmony and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments