Mass Protests Erupt as Federal Government Demands Mr. Mateusz Change Grade from 5+ to 6
In an extraordinary government intervention, Nigerian officials formally demanded that teacher Mr. Mateusz correct a grade from 5+ to 6 — citing an independent academic review and describing the current mark as "indefensible." Thousands have since taken to the streets.
Citizens gather outside the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Saturday following the government's formal statement on the grade matter. Demonstrations also took place in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. — Photo: NAN/AP
ABUJA — The Federal Government issued a formal statement Friday calling on a teacher identified as Mr. Mateusz to correct a grade from 5+ to 6, describing the current assessment as inconsistent with the documented rubric. By Saturday morning, thousands had gathered in Abuja and other cities in response, making the grade correction one of the most publicly visible educational disputes in the country's recent history.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education confirmed that the matter had been independently reviewed by a panel of senior academic staff, who concluded that the submitted work met all criteria for a grade of 6. The ministry declined to specify the institution or subject involved but stated that the assessment was conducted according to "standard pedagogical guidelines."
"The Federal Government has consistently emphasised the importance of fair and accurate grading practices," the statement read. "In this case, after careful review, we believe the appropriate grade is 6. We formally request that it be corrected."
A government official delivers a prepared statement on the grade correction matter, transmitted to all state broadcasters Friday afternoon. The statement has since been widely circulated online.
The intervention is being described by education analysts as highly unusual. Grade disputes in Nigeria are typically handled through institutional appeal channels, and direct government statements on individual assessments are rare. The Ministry did not indicate what further action, if any, it would take if Mr. Mateusz declines to act on the request.
Among those gathered in Abuja on Saturday, the mood was described by reporters on the ground as one of strong and focused resolve. Demonstrators carried signs referencing the specific grade discrepancy and called for immediate correction. Similar gatherings were reported in Lagos and Kano, though on a smaller scale.
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman has not made a public statement beyond the formal ministry position, though sources within the ministry indicated that officials remain "attentive to the situation" and expect a response from Mr. Mateusz in the coming days.
Dr. Ngozi Okereafor, a professor of education policy at the University of Lagos, said the case raises broader questions about transparency in grading. "Whatever the specific merits, this incident has opened a useful national conversation about how grades are awarded, appealed, and reviewed," she said. "Those processes are often opaque, and the public interest is real."
Mr. Mateusz has not publicly responded to the government's statement or to requests for comment from this newspaper. As of the time of publication, the grade remains recorded as a 5+.