Kaduna Govt Shuts Al-Azhar Academy Where Student Was Brutalised To Death

The Kaduna State government has shut down Al-Azhar Academy, the school where a student was allegedly beaten to death.

In a public announcement on Sunday, the state government said it had embarked on a fact-finding mission on what led to the student’s death.

It also urged the public to remain calm as the state completes its investigation.

However, in the meantime, it said, “guided by the provisions of its establishment Act (amended 2015), the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority has closed down Al-Azhar Academy, Zaria and the school premises remains sealed- pending the outcomes of the investigation.

Read full statement below

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

ALLEGED HOMICIDE AT AL-AZHAR ACADEMY, ZARIA AND INDEFINITE CLOSURE OF THE SCHOOL

1. Attention of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) was drawn to the unfortunate incident that occurred at Al-Azhar Academy, Kofar Gayan, Turunku Road, Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to the school, the sad incident involved punishment actions for absenteeism meted to a JSS III (Basic 9) student, named Marwan Nuhu Sambo, which led to the death of the student on Friday, 20th October, 2023,

2. The KSsQAA, Ministry of Education, representing the Kaduna State Government, was earlier today on a fact-finding mission visit, seeking to piece together the sequence of events that transpired: from the Al Azhar Academy, the school where the incident happened, to home of the victim to offer condolences and engage with the bereaved family as well as some school mates of the victim.

KSSQAA team then visited the Divisional Police Headquarters, Zaria City, where the school Principal and the Vice-Principal were being detained. The fact-finding team then moved to Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, where the victim was formally confirmed dead. Finally, KSSQAA team visited the graveyard where the victim was said to had been put to rest yesterday, and a fresh-looking grave was observed.

3. The State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, wishes to assure the general public of its firm resolve to ensure conducive learning environment, equity and justice. Against this backdrop, members of the general public are urged to remain calm and law abiding while the investigation is carried out for Justice to be served accordingly.

4. In the interim, guided by the provisions of its establishment Act (amended 2015), the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority has closed down Al-Azhar Academy, Zaria and the school premises remains sealed- pending the outcomes of the investigation.

Dr. Usman Abubakar Zaria

Director-General (KSQAA)

For: Honourable Commissioner