Governor Francis Nwifuru has reversed the suspension of Mr. Iloke Hyacinth following public outrage over a viral video that exposed the poor condition of a classroom in Ebonyi State.
Hyacinth, a teacher at Community Primary School Obulechi Umoru Oriuzor in Ezza North Local Government Area, was earlier suspended after a social media video showed pupils receiving lessons inside a dilapidated classroom with poor learning facilities.
The reversal was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa.
According to the statement, Governor Nwifuru ordered the immediate lifting of the suspension after the incident generated widespread reactions and criticism across social media and other online platforms.
“The attention of the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media has been drawn to reports and discussions circulating across new media platforms regarding the suspension of Mr Iloke Hyacinth of CPS Obulechi Umoru Oriuzor in Ezza North Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“Consequently, the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has directed that the suspension be lifted.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of teachers and creating better learning environments for pupils across Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, the administration is already carrying out major educational infrastructure projects in the affected community, including ongoing construction works at Community Primary School Unwuigboke and Community Primary School Unwuezeali in Oriuzor.
“It is important to state that government is already undertaking massive school building projects within the area as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and provide a better learning environment for pupils,” the statement added.
The government also acknowledged that some communities still face infrastructural challenges but assured residents that efforts were ongoing to address the issues progressively across the state.
Hyacinth and another head teacher from Ekka Integration Primary School were initially suspended after the viral video drew attention to the deteriorating condition of classrooms where nursery pupils were being taught.