In what looks like a plot twist from a dark comedy, Blossom Fount School in Anambra State has landed itself in hot soup after allegedly asking primary school pupils to pay N5,000 each to contest for the position of head prefect.
Yes, you read that right — not SS3 seniors, not university undergrads — primary school pupils. Kids who are just mastering cursive writing were suddenly plunged into a high-stakes political arena where leadership came with a price tag.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, was less than impressed and swiftly handed down a one-month sanction on the school. She described the practice as “an attempt to sell the psyche of the children to the highest bidder from the cradle.”
According to reports, the school administration invited hopeful head prefects to part with N5,000 in what many are calling a “junior political fund-raiser.” It remains unclear whether the fee included campaign posters, manifesto printing, or just a VIP badge to flex during morning assembly.
Reacting to the scandal, Chuma-Udeh made it clear that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has zero tolerance for such transactional leadership lessons, especially in places meant to nurture character and integrity.
“This is not how we raise leaders,” she said. “This is how we create baby godfathers.”
The Ministry of Education has launched a full investigation into the school’s management practices. Meanwhile, sources say other students are now asking if they can “buy” better grades or maybe “rent” a class captaincy.
For now, Blossom Fount School will have 30 days of silence — time to reflect, reorganize, and hopefully refund the pint-sized politicians-in-training.
As one baffled parent put it, “My son can barely tie his shoelaces — now he needs to raise campaign funds too?”