A recent court ruling has sent shockwaves through the education community in Edo State, Nigeria. An Oredo Chief Magistrate Court in Benin has sentenced the proprietor of Calvary Crown Academy, Paul Okugbowa, and three teachers to prison for negligence and insulting a parent.
The presiding Magistrate, Caroline Oghuma, delivered the judgment, which has been widely reported in local media. According to the court’s findings, Okugbowa was guilty of insulting the mother of a pupil, calling her a prostitute. This incident occurred on September 8, 2024, at the Zone 5 Police headquarters in Benin.
Okugbowa, who was also the Young Progressive Party’s candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine.
In addition to Okugbowa’s sentence, three teachers from Calvary Crown Academy were also charged with negligence and abandonment of two pupils in their care. Blessing Osarodion, Egharevba Esosa, and Isioma Nimen were found guilty of failing to provide adequate care and supervision to the pupils, resulting in injuries and harm.
Osarodion and Esosa were sentenced to one-year imprisonment or an option of N100,000 fine on each of the two counts bothering on negligence, leading to the injury of a six-year-old pupil. Nimen was convicted for unlawfully abandoning another pupil and sentenced to three months imprisonment or an option of N50,000.
The offences committed by Okugbowa and the three teachers contravened Sections 167(2), 412, 270, 412 and 267 of the Criminal Laws of Edo 2025.
This court ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility in the education sector. It also highlights the need for educators and school administrators to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students.
