say viral video of poor classrooms should spark reform, not punishment
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has appealed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to reinstate two head teachers suspended over a viral video that exposed the poor condition of public school classrooms in the state, and to urgently upgrade dilapidated school infrastructure.
In a press statement signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, FOSAD expressed concern over the indefinite suspension of the teachers by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education. The teachers were reportedly punished after a video showing pupils learning in classrooms with unfinished block walls, inadequate furniture, and visibly poor infrastructure circulated widely online and drew national criticism.
According to suspension letters dated May 18, 2026, signed by the Education Secretary of Ezza-North LGA, Mr. Francis Nwonunku, the teachers were accused of “denying pupils their right to quality education” and “sabotaging the effort” of the governor. They were directed to hand over all government property to the next officers in rank.
FOSAD said punishing educators for conditions largely beyond their control sends the wrong signal and risks discouraging honesty and transparency in the education sector.
“The viral video should not be treated as an embarrassment to be suppressed, but rather as an urgent wake-up call demanding immediate government attention and intervention,” the group stated. “The deplorable condition of classrooms where children are learning is not merely a media issue; it is fundamentally a development and educational emergency that deserves constructive action.”
The forum argued that instead of suspending the teachers, the government should use the moment to undertake comprehensive improvements in public school infrastructure across Ebonyi. It noted that teachers, especially those in rural and underserved areas, often work with limited resources and inadequate support, and described them as “the human shield between struggling pupils and a collapsing educational infrastructure.”
FOSAD called on Governor Nwifuru to demonstrate statesmanship by ordering the immediate reinstatement of the affected teachers. It also urged the Ministry of Education to engage stakeholders constructively rather than resorting to punitive measures.
The group further recommended an independent assessment of public school infrastructure statewide to identify urgent needs in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, furniture, sanitation, and learning materials. It said such an exercise would restore public confidence and provide a roadmap for meaningful reforms, with priority given to rural schools where deficits remain severe.
“Educational challenges cannot be solved through intimidation or scapegoating. They require collaboration, transparency, strategic investment and sustained policy commitment,” the statement read.
FOSAD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at improving education quality, protecting teacher dignity, and ensuring every Nigerian child has access to safe and conducive learning spaces.
The statement was signed by FOSAD President Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary General Dr. Uzor Ngoladi.
