The Lagos government has ordered the closure of Redeemers Nursery and Primary in Ogba over the drowning of a five-year-old pupil, Chidere Eze.

The pupil drowned during a swimming lesson organised by the school in a private facility on May 16.

Education commissioner Folasade Adefisayo issued the directive shutting down the school in a statement on Monday.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Education has shut the Redeemers Nursery and Primary School, Ogba. The school will remain closed, pending an administrative investigation of its operations and procedures as well as the conduct of its officials – in line with schools’ safety standards and guidelines,” the statement said.

She disclosed that the school had yet to complete its registration, so it operated illegally.

“The investigation is sequel to the death of a five-year-old pupil, who is suspected to have drowned during a swimming lesson while in the custody of the school. The police are investigating the matter,” added the ministry’s statement. “A preliminary probe by the Office of Education Quality Assurance of the Ministry has shown that the Redeemers Nursery and Primary School, Ogba, is yet to conclude its registration and is, therefore, not yet an approved school.”

It said the education ministry “is concerned about the safety of the pupils, hence the need for intervention” of shutting down the school.

“The school will remain closed until all the required approval processes are concluded. Parents are advised to note the closure and wait for the conclusion of the administrative investigation,” explained the Lagos government.