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:
- Smart Sharunbella Academy, 1B Nyong Agbor Street, Calabar
- Christ Infant Nursery/Primary School, Odukpani Qua Town
- Grace of God Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
- Treasure Child Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
- Blissful Life Christian Schools, Mbarakom Road, Awi, Akamkpa
- Holy Choice International Academy, Awi Mbarakom Road, Akamkpa
- Divine Partaker International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
- Right Time Schools, Awi, Akamkpa
- King Solomon International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
- Bright Future Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
- Major International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
- Malcom Child Future Academy, Mbarakom II, Akamkpa
- Life Foundation Nursery/Primary School, Isong Inyang
- Briforth International Secondary School, Old Okomita, Akamkpa
- Foundational Builders Nursery/Primary School, Okana
- U.E.C. Nursery/Primary School, Ohana
- Leading Stars & World Changers Nursery/Primary School, Iyamoyong
- Echimachia Worowor Secondary School, Ovonum
- John Calvin Comprehensive Secondary School, Obubra Station
- Echimachia Worowor Nursery/Primary School, Ovonum
- Divine Kids Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
- Perfect God Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
- Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Oderega
- Chrisbrown Nursery/Primary School, Ukpada, Obudu
- Fidel Nursery/Primary/Secondary School, Mgbenege
- God Plan Nursery/Primary School, Nkerira, Utugwang
- Givicks International Academy, Kikong, Obudu
- Bright Light International Nursery/Primary School, Bebuagbong
- Jully Fidelity Nursery/Primary School, Atiekpe, Obudu
- Seat of Wisdom Academy, Bekpam, Obudu
- Maria Faustina Secondary School, Bekpam, Obudu
- Crystal Beacon Secondary School, Bishiri Road, Obudu
- 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.