The Enugu State Government has condemned and ordered the immediate withdrawal of unauthorised queries reportedly issued to teachers in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area for failing to attend the Teachers’ Mega Rally held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
In a circular dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze L. Mbah, the government described the queries as unauthorised and inconsistent with the policies and directives of the state’s education leadership.
The circular, addressed to all education secretaries, school heads, teachers and coordinators of the Teachers Grassroots Movement (TGM) in the state, clarified that attendance at the rally was voluntary.
According to the commissioner, the event was deliberately scheduled for a Saturday, outside the regular school week, to prevent disruption to teaching and learning.
He stressed that any claim that teachers were required to attend the rally or that non-attendance amounted to insubordination was false and unacceptable.
Consequently, the government directed teachers to disregard the purported queries, stating that no response was required. Those responsible for issuing the documents were also instructed to withdraw them immediately.
The circular further warned that no teacher should be queried, intimidated, victimised or subjected to any adverse action for failing to attend the event.
It added that attendance or non-attendance at the rally must not affect teachers’ salaries, promotions, postings, performance appraisals or access to professional opportunities.
The commissioner also ordered the immediate suspension of all related disciplinary proceedings and directed that any adverse entries already made in teachers’ records over the matter be removed.
Education officials, school heads and TGM coordinators were instructed to communicate the directives to teachers and ensure full compliance across the state.
The circular further disclosed that the staff member responsible for generating the unauthorised document would be issued a formal query to explain the action in accordance with applicable administrative procedures.
Teachers who experience threats, intimidation or victimisation over their absence from the rally were also advised to report directly to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Education.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Mbah said teachers deserved dignity, respect and freedom of choice, adding that expressions of gratitude and solidarity should remain voluntary.
He warned that no individual should use an official position or the name of the Teachers Grassroots Movement to compel participation in an event designated as voluntary.
The commissioner urged all relevant stakeholders to give the circular the widest possible circulation and ensure that its directives were strictly observed.
