Benin City – The Edo State Government has revoked the licenses of two private schools and arrested the head of one of the institutions following the tragic death of a 12-year-old pupil, Nathan Paul Spencer, who drowned on his way to sit for a government examination.
Nathan, a pupil of a private school in Ovia Local Government Area, lost his life on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during a torrential downpour that triggered massive flooding across parts of the state. According to investigations, he was en route to a different examination centre in Egor Local Government Area when he tragically fell into an open gutter and drowned.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the bereaved family, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, described the incident as a painful loss that could have been avoided. He disclosed that the deceased had been registered to write the Middle Basic Assessment Examination at another school without the knowledge or consent of his parents.
“Our investigation revealed that the management of the school collected the examination fee from the parents but registered Nathan in a different school far from his locality without proper arrangements or notification,” Dr. Iyamu said.
“This negligence and lack of accountability led to the tragic death of a promising young boy. The school failed in its duty of care. As a result, the state government has revoked the licenses of the two schools involved, and the head of one of the schools has been taken into custody.”
He also revealed that two additional private schools are being shut down for allegedly extorting over 200 students by collecting illegal fees and using unauthorized centres for exams. The school heads reportedly diverted the money into the State Internally Generated Revenue account to mask the irregularity.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, through the Commissioner, extended heartfelt condolences to the Spencer family and promised that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on all those culpable in the incident.
“No parent deserves to suffer this kind of loss. Nathan’s death is a stark reminder that the safety and welfare of our children must come first—always,” the Governor stated. “We will not rest until every person responsible for this recklessness is held to account. We owe Nathan and every other child in Edo State that much.”
The government has also reiterated its commitment to sanitising the private education sector by stepping up inspections and enforcing strict compliance with registration and examination regulations.
As the state mourns the loss of young Nathan, the incident has sparked renewed calls for improved child safety measures in schools and greater oversight of private education providers.