Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited, March 17, 2025.

In a bid to curb distractions and enhance academic performance, the Anambra state government, under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has banned the use of mobile phones by secondary school students across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

The directive was announced by Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, during the Anambra Schools’ Cultural Day celebration in Awka on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Professor Ikediugwu instructed principals and teachers to confiscate any mobile phones found with students during school hours. According to her, the increasing use of mobile phones in schools has become a major distraction, negatively impacting students’ concentration and academic performance.

“I am authorising principals and teachers to seize phones from students who come to school with them so that we can ensure that students concentrate on their academic work without the interference of phones,” she stated.

Governor Soludo’s administration is making significant investments in education to promote academic excellence and instill discipline among students. Ikediugwu further encouraged parents and teachers to educate students on the values and norms of the Igbo people, emphasizing that Igbo culture is not limited to clothing and dancing but also includes honesty, truthfulness, hard work, and respect for elders.

This decision aligns with the governor’s broader efforts to maintain discipline and order in Anambra state. Recently, Soludo also banned loud preaching in markets to combat noise pollution and public disturbance. Violators face a ₦500,000 fine as part of the state’s noise pollution regulations.

Furthermore, the governor condemned native doctors who deceive youths with promises of supernatural protection for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, cyber fraud, and kidnapping. The state government has launched investigations into over 30 native doctors and pastors as part of efforts to restore law and order.

In a positive gesture, Governor Soludo refunded the venue fee paid by Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre for the use of Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, during a recent crusade. The governor praised Pastor Enenche’s message on righteousness, expressing hope that it would help reshape the mindset of the youth in the state.

Governor Soludo’s administration remains committed to fostering a disciplined, peaceful, and academically sound environment in Anambra state.