The Anambra government has expressed concern over noise pollution from church activities disturbing academic sessions in Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.
Education Commissioner Ngozi Chuma-Udeh spoke on Tuesday after receiving a petition from a private school alleging that noise from a nearby church was interrupting teaching and learning during school hours.
The petition, signed by the school’s proprietress, Ngozi Udeh, targeted Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, which is located directly opposite the school.
According to the petition, the church—established in 2024—has recently intensified activities, especially on Tuesdays when services run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., creating excessive noise that distracts students and teachers despite previous appeals to church leaders.
Commissioner Chuma-Udeh described the situation as worrisome and stressed that the administration under Governor Charles Soludo would not tolerate any infringement on students’ constitutional right to learn in a peaceful and conducive environment.
She reminded both parties that noise pollution is p¥nishable under Nigerian law.
The commissioner advised religious institutions to manage noise levels carefully, especially when schools are nearby, and urged the church to foster peaceful coexistence in line with Christian values. She noted that the school had existed in the area before the church was built.
To address the issue, the commissioner ordered the church to reschedule weekday activities to start from 4 p.m. onward, after school hours. Failure to comply would lead to involvement of the Ministry of Environment and potential legal action.
She also stated that while churches could hold longer services on weekends, external exams such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB must be given priority, even on Saturdays.
In response, Emmanuel Ukpabi, the church’s assistant pastor, assured that the church would cooperate with the school to ensure mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
