The Anambra State government has issued a stern warning to churches located near schools to curb excessive noise that is disrupting academic activities, particularly in Onitsha. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, expressed concern following a petition from a private school whose proprietress complained that loud church services during school hours were making it difficult for students and teachers to concentrate on learning. 

Chuma-Udeh directed that weekday church programs be rescheduled to start after school hours, from 4:00 p.m., and emphasised that the state will not tolerate any actions that infringe on students’ rights to a peaceful learning environment. The government warned that failure to comply could lead to involvement from the Ministry of Environment and legal consequences, underscoring the importance of balancing religious activities with community wellbeing.