The Anambra State government has ordered churches near schools to limit noise that disrupts learning, following complaints from a private school in Onitsha. The directive came from the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, on Wednesday.

The complaint was lodged by the proprietress of the school, Lady Ngozi Udeh, against Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, which is located directly opposite the school. According to the petition, the church, which built its auditorium in 2024, has recently increased activities that generate excessive noise, especially on Tuesdays when services run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

“The noise has consistently distracted students and teachers, severely disrupting teaching and learning during official school hours. Despite several verbal appeals to the church leadership, the situation has not improved,” the petition stated.

Addressing both parties, Chuma-Udeh stressed that Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo would not tolerate any actions that interfere with students’ right to learn in a peaceful environment.

“Noise pollution is an offence under Nigerian law and is punishable once established. Churches must ensure that noise from their premises is properly managed, especially when schools are within hearing distance,” she said.

She reminded the church that the school existed before it moved into the area and urged both institutions to find ways to coexist peacefully. Chuma-Udeh directed the church to reschedule weekday activities to start after 4:00 pm, warning that failure to comply could result in intervention by the Ministry of Environment and potential legal consequences.

“While churches may conduct activities throughout the day on weekends, external exams such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB must take priority, even on Saturdays,” she added.

In response, the Assistant Pastor of Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Emmanuel Ukpabi, pledged that the church would take measures to ensure peaceful coexistence with the school.