A primary school headteacher has been permanently removed from the teaching profession after alcohol was discovered in her office.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Leanne Grove, 44, was caught when a teaching assistant spotted an empty gin and tonic can in her handbag at Hazeldene School in Bedford.

Further investigation revealed a stash of opened and unopened alcoholic beverages stored in cupboards and containers within her office.

Grove later admitted to drinking on school premises, including before a governors’ meeting and after a parents’ evening.

The Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) ruled that her conduct was unacceptable and permanently struck her off the teaching register.

The disciplinary proceedings revealed that Grove had been suspended in March 2023 following the initial discovery of the drinks.

The case highlighted her lack of judgement, particularly because pupils with special educational needs frequently used her office.

The TRA panel noted that there was a “not remote” possibility that children could have accessed the alcohol.

Panel chair Richard Young emphasized that Grove’s occasional failure to lock the office represented a serious breach of responsibility.

Young added that even empty cans being visible to pupils was highly concerning.

Grove resigned from her role in May 2023 and admitted to drinking in her office on two occasions when no students were present.

She stated that she had “moved on” in her career and had no intention of returning to teaching.

Grove further admitted that her actions had “let down the whole school community.”

The TRA described her behaviour as “misconduct of a serious nature” that fell far below the standards expected of educators.

David Oatley, signing off on behalf of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, warned that there was a risk of repeated misconduct.

Oatley noted that her actions could have endangered the future wellbeing of pupils.

The panel stressed that Grove held a position of trust as headteacher and was expected to be a role model for both staff and students.

It was deemed entirely inappropriate to bring and consume alcohol within a school setting outside of strictly controlled circumstances.

Grove now faces a ban from reapplying to the profession until 2027.

She has 28 days from the ruling to appeal the decision.

Education experts say this case serves as a cautionary tale for school leaders, emphasizing the critical need for professional conduct and safeguarding in schools.

The ruling has sparked debate about accountability for senior school staff and the safeguarding measures necessary to protect vulnerable students.

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Great Mind Academy in Awka.

DDM gathered that the closure follows a government inspection revealing unsafe and unhealthy conditions at the school.

The directive was issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

The school is located behind the old Government House in Awka.

According to Chuma-Udeh, the learning environment at Great Mind Academy was unfit for students.

She stated that the government would not allow children to continue their education under such unsafe conditions.

The commissioner confirmed that the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has been instructed to enforce the closure immediately.

Education officials inspected the facility and identified multiple areas of concern, including inadequate sanitation and poor classroom infrastructure.

Parents and guardians were notified of the closure, and students were sent home pending further government directives.

Analysts note that unsafe school environments have become a recurring issue in parts of Nigeria, affecting both public and private institutions.

The closure of Great Mind Academy comes amid nationwide discussions on the need for proper oversight of school facilities.

The state government emphasized that the health, safety, and well-being of students remain a top priority.

Chuma-Udeh warned other private schools in Anambra to comply with safety and health regulations to avoid similar closures.

The commissioner noted that regular inspections would continue to ensure compliance with minimum education standards.

Stakeholders have praised the government’s swift action, describing it as necessary to protect students from preventable hazards.

Education advocacy groups have called for additional measures to monitor school environments across the state.

They argue that preventive strategies are needed to avoid long-term disruption to students’ learning.

Parents expressed mixed reactions, with some appreciating the government’s intervention while others raised concerns about the immediate impact on academic schedules.

The state government has promised to provide guidance to affected schools and parents on next steps.

Officials said reopening of Great Mind Academy will only occur once the school meets required health and safety standards.

The closure reflects a broader commitment by the Anambra State Government to maintain safe and conducive learning environments for all students.

DDM in collaboration with the Digital Assets Management Academy (DAMA), has announced its upcoming weekly program titled Blockchain World 2.0.

DDM corespondent gathered that the program will focus on the topic: “Why the Body Scan AI Blockchain Project Is Positioned to Thrive in the Current Crypto Bull Market.”

The session is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM Nigerian time.

Participants can join the program via Zoom using the link provided by the organizers.

The Zoom meeting ID is 870 8562 4072, with the passcode 871871.

For viewers who prefer live streaming, the session will also be broadcast on DDM’s official YouTube channel.

DDM encourages interested participants to subscribe to the YouTube channel to receive instant notifications whenever the program begins.

The program promises to provide insights into the Body Scan AI Blockchain Project and how it aligns with opportunities in the current cryptocurrency market.

Organizers say the discussion will cover practical strategies, market positioning, and technological innovations driving blockchain adoption.

This program is part of DDM’s ongoing effort to educate Nigerians and global audiences on emerging technologies and digital assets.

It also marks a collaboration between media and educational institutions to bridge the knowledge gap in cryptocurrency and blockchain projects.

The weekly initiative will run every Wednesday at the same time, ensuring continuity and consistent engagement with participants.

Experts from DDM and DAMA will lead discussions, answer questions, and provide actionable insights for investors and blockchain enthusiasts.

Digital asset enthusiasts, students, and professionals are encouraged to participate to stay informed on cutting-edge blockchain projects.

The initiative reflects DDM’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and promoting innovative technology solutions in Africa.

Participants are advised to register in advance for the Zoom session to secure access and avoid technical difficulties during the live program.

The organization also highlights that all sessions are archived and available on YouTube for later viewing.