CALABAR, Nigeria (FN) — Authorities in Cross River State have shut down 36 illegal schools operating without government approval, in a sweeping crackdown aimed at restoring order to the state’s education sector.
The closures were carried out by the State Task Force on Illegal Schools, recently inaugurated by the Ministry of Education. The affected institutions, spanning both primary and secondary levels, were found to be operating without registration or adherence to minimum academic standards.
Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, described the situation as “deeply troubling,” accusing some school operators of exploiting parents and students by running unlicensed institutions under the guise of legitimacy.
According to officials, the enforcement operation targeted three educational zones: Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja. In total, 16 schools were closed in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja. The task force said the closures were based on thorough inspections and documentation reviews.
Professor Odey emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring that only schools meeting regulatory benchmarks are allowed to operate. He warned that any institution found flouting the law would face immediate closure and possible legal action.
The commissioner also urged parents to verify the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children. He noted that many families are unaware of the risks posed by unapproved institutions, which often lack qualified teachers, proper facilities, and standardized curricula.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Cross River government to improve educational quality and protect students from substandard learning environments. Officials say the proliferation of illegal schools has undermined the integrity of the state’s education system.
In addition to enforcement, the government plans to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of enrolling children in unregistered schools. The Ministry of Education is also reviewing its school registration process to make compliance more accessible.
While some community members have welcomed the move, others have expressed concern about the sudden displacement of students. The government has promised to assist affected families in relocating their children to accredited schools.
The Cross River State Government says it will continue monitoring schools across all local government areas and will not hesitate to take further action against violators. The goal, officials say, is to ensure that every child in the state receives a safe, quality education.
