The Edo State Government has shut down four private schools and arrested a head teacher following the tragic death of a 12-year-old pupil, Nathan Paul Spencer, who drowned on his way to sit for an examination last weekend.

Nathan, a pupil from Ovia Local Government Area, lost his life on Saturday, July 5, during a heavy downpour that led to flooding. Shockingly, investigations revealed that his school had registered him to take the Middle Basic Assessment Examination at a different school in Egor Local Government Area — far from his home — without even informing his parents.

During the condolence visit to Nathan’s grieving parents, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, explained how the unfortunate incident unfolded.

According to him, “The head of the school collected registration fees from Nathan’s parents and, without their knowledge, decided to take him across local government boundaries to another school to write the exam. Sadly, on the way, Nathan fell into a gutter during the rain and drowned.”

The Commissioner expressed the state’s deep sadness over the incident, adding that Governor Monday Okpebholo was personally moved and sent heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

To show that the state would not tolerate such negligence, Iyamu announced the immediate withdrawal of the licenses of two schools linked to Nathan’s death. The head of the school involved is now in police custody and will face prosecution.

In addition, two other schools were shut down after authorities discovered they had illegally collected fees from over 200 students. Instead of paying the funds into the state’s official Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account, the schools allegedly conspired to divert the money, leaving many children stranded in the rain until the Ministry of Education intervened.

Iyamu warned parents to be more vigilant and not hand over their children to unscrupulous individuals masquerading as school owners.

Nathan’s father, Mr. Paul Spencer, spoke with deep sorrow, saying he had no idea his son’s school had taken him so far from home. “It’s shocking and painful that he went on such a journey, one he couldn’t complete,” he lamented. He, however, thanked the state government for the support and sympathy shown during their time of grief.

As investigations continue, the Edo State Government says it remains committed to ensuring those responsible for the tragic loss of young Nathan are brought to justice.