The Cross River State Government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal schools, shutting down 20 more institutions operating without the required Approval to Operate (ATO) in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani and Akamkpa Local Government Areas as it intensifies efforts to rid the education sector of unapproved operators.
The latest enforcement exercise, carried out by the Department of Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education, underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all schools operate within the law and provide children with properly authorised and monitored learning environments.
Commissioner for Education, Senator (Prof.) Stephen Odey, on Friday, warned that any school shut down for operating without the required approval must not reopen without official authorisation from the appropriate government authorities.
He stressed that proprietors who defy the closure order would face appropriate sanctions, adding that the government would not compromise the future of children by allowing unapproved schools to operate unchecked.
Odey reaffirmed that the enforcement exercise would be extended to all 18 local government areas of the state, demonstrating the government’s resolve to enforce compliance with established educational standards and protect learners from inadequately regulated institutions.
According to the Commissioner, the exercise is aimed at safeguarding pupils and students, upholding educational standards and ensuring that all schools meet the state’s regulatory requirements before commencing operations.
In Calabar Municipality, the affected schools are Impact Group of Schools, 112 Atamunu; Gospel Beacon Academy, 25 Etonko Street; and Divvy Bliss Schools, 71/73 Eta Agbor, opposite the MTN office.
In Calabar South, the closed schools are Warriors Seed Academy, 8 Engo Street, off New Airport; Children of Promise Christian School, 4 Ekong Lane, off New Airport; Future Amazing International Schools Limited, 21 Amika Utuk, off Goldie; Glad Tidings Academy, 15 Ene Ita Street; and Panorama International Schools, 10 Jebs Layout.
In Odukpani Local Government Area, the affected institutions are De-Royal Academy School, Esine Ufot, Adiabo; Maria Assumpta Nursery/Primary School, Esine Ufot; Success Kids Nursery/Primary School, Esine Ufot, Adiabo; Delightsome International School, Akim-Akim; Sparkling Academy, Akim-Akim, Qua Clan; Goodness Academy, Ayuk Aba, Akim-Akim; and Joanleff Excellent Institute, Old Pamol Clinic, Akim-Akim Road.
The five schools shut down in Akamkpa Local Government Area are Creative Brain International School, Abi Mfam Camp 2; St. Luck’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Ndingane; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aningeje; Hot Brain Academy, Abiati; and Armour Christian International School, Abiati Road.
The Ministry of Education has urged school proprietors across the state to comply with established regulations and obtain the necessary approval before commencing operations, warning that failure to meet the requirements would attract appropriate sanctions.
The state government has pledged to sustain its monitoring and enforcement activities across all 18 local government areas to eliminate illegal school operations, protect the integrity of the education system and ensure that children receive education in approved learning environments.
By Patricia Ogbeche
