BY PATRICIA OGBECHE

The Cross River State Government has intensified its clampdown on unapproved schools operating across the state, as part of the ongoing efforts to sanitize the education sector and enforce compliance with established standards.

The State Ministry of Education Taskforce on the Closure of Illegal Schools on Wednesday sealed off another batch of schools found operating without the mandatory Approval to Operate (ATO).

The Commissioner for Education, Senator (Prof.) Stephen Odey, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring order and quality in the education system, warning proprietors of defunct institutions against reopening after closure.

“Any proprietor who continues to operate after being shut down will be arrested and prosecuted,” the Commissioner stated, emphasizing that the state’s education reforms will not be compromised or sabotaged by any individual or group.

On the fourth day of the exercise, several schools across Calabar, Odukpani, Akamkpa, Obubra, and Obudu Local Government Areas were sealed. They include:

  1. Smart Sharunbella Academy, 1B Nyong Agbor Street, Calabar
  2. Christ Infant Nursery/Primary School, Odukpani Qua Town
  3. Grace of God Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
  4. Treasure Child Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
  5. Blissful Life Christian Schools, Mbarakom Road, Awi, Akamkpa
  6. Holy Choice International Academy, Awi Mbarakom Road, Akamkpa
  7. Divine Partaker International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
  8. Right Time Schools, Awi, Akamkpa
  9. King Solomon International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
  10. Bright Future Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
  11. Major International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
  12. Malcom Child Future Academy, Mbarakom II, Akamkpa
  13. Life Foundation Nursery/Primary School, Isong Inyang
  14. Briforth International Secondary School, Old Okomita, Akamkpa
  15. Foundational Builders Nursery/Primary School, Okana
  16. U.E.C. Nursery/Primary School, Ohana
  17. Leading Stars & World Changers Nursery/Primary School, Iyamoyong
  18. Echimachia Worowor Secondary School, Ovonum
  19. John Calvin Comprehensive Secondary School, Obubra Station
  20. Echimachia Worowor Nursery/Primary School, Ovonum
  21. Divine Kids Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
  22. Perfect God Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
  23. Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Oderega
  24. Chrisbrown Nursery/Primary School, Ukpada, Obudu
  25. Fidel Nursery/Primary/Secondary School, Mgbenege
  26. God Plan Nursery/Primary School, Nkerira, Utugwang
  27. Givicks International Academy, Kikong, Obudu
  28. Bright Light International Nursery/Primary School, Bebuagbong
  29. Jully Fidelity Nursery/Primary School, Atiekpe, Obudu
  30. Seat of Wisdom Academy, Bekpam, Obudu
  31. Maria Faustina Secondary School, Bekpam, Obudu
  32. Crystal Beacon Secondary School, Bishiri Road, Obudu
  33. Fortress Home International Schools, Ranch Road, Obudu

According to the Ministry, the exercise is aimed at ensuring that only accredited schools that meet the minimum educational standards are allowed to operate, in order to safeguard the academic future of learners across the state.

So far, 133 illegal schools have been shut down within the first four days of the ongoing operation. The government reaffirmed that the exercise will continue until all unapproved institutions are completely phased out.

“The education of our children is too important to be left in the hands of unqualified operators,” Prof. Odey added. “We must ensure that every learning environment in Cross River State meets the approved standards for safety, quality, and accountability.”

The ministry urged parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, to avoid disruption of their academic progress.