The Cross River State Government has shut down 69 illegal and unapproved schools across the state in a two-day crackdown. The move, approved by Governor Bassey Otu, follows consultations with the State Executive Council as part of efforts to sanitise the education sector.
Education Commissioner Stephen Odey, who led the enforcement team, said 36 schools were sealed on October 20 and another 33 the following day. He explained that the affected schools had been operating without the mandatory ‘Approval to Operate’ certificate.
According to the Education Ministry, the Calabar zone recorded the highest number of closures with at least 15 schools sealed, followed by Ikom and Ogoja zones, which saw nine and eight closures respectively. Odey said the operation was corrective rather than punitive.
Also Read: Abia Governor Orders Statewide Internet Coverage in Nine Months
He warned proprietors of unapproved schools to regularise their operations immediately or face permanent closure. The ministry said the exercise would continue until all schools in Cross River meet approved national standards for learning environments.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.