The Cross River State Government has intensified its ongoing education reform with the closure of additional illegal schools across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. The enforcement exercise, led by the State Ministry of Education, forms part of efforts to sanitize the education sector and ensure that only duly approved schools operate in the State.
The Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, said the clampdown targets institutions operating without the mandatory Approval to Operate (ATO), stressing that the initiative is designed to protect the academic future of learners.
He noted that many unapproved schools fail to meet the minimum standards for teaching and learning.
“The sanitation of illegal schools is for the betterment of our children. We are not out to witch-hunt anyone, but every school proprietor must do the right thing by obtaining the Approval to Operate. Any proprietor who reopens a closed school without authorization will be duly penalized,” Professor Odey warned.
A total of 27 schools were sealed on Friday, bringing the number of illegal schools shut down across the state to 157.
List of Schools Closed in Akpabuyo LGA
- Testimony Children Foundation Nursery/Primary School, No. 15 Okon Offiong Street, Akpabuyo
- Christ Light International Nursery/Primary School, Ikot Etim Boot, Akpabuyo
- Bendy International Nursery/Primary School, Anwaenng, Akpabuyo
- God Desire Nursery/Primary School, Ikot Ekanem Nya, Akpabuyo
- Snow White Academy, Ikot Effanga, Akpabuyo
- Akeeup Sureside Cooperative Schools, Etak Ukana Akwa, Ikot Effanga, Akpabuyo
- Cornerstone Royal Academy, Ikot Efio, Akpabuyo
- Aunty Mary Nursery and Primary School, Akansoko, Akpabuyo
- Faith Spring International Academy, Akansoko, Akpabuyo
- Heaven’s Trinity Wisdom Schools, Asamanka, Akpabuyo
Schools Closed in Obudu and Obanliku LGAs
- Success International Nursery/Primary School, Ukwel, Obudu
- Bridget International Nursery/Primary School, Ndi Abeb, Obudu
- Fr. Kajibia’s Memorial Educare, Sankwala
- Evangel Nursery/Primary School, Sankwala
- Omega Secondary School, Busi 1, Obanliku
- Destiny Miracle Solution Academy, Bikaa, Busi 3, Obanliku
Schools Closed in Abi and Yakurr LGAs
- Migrant Science & Technical College, Ekureku, Abi
- Veritas Academy, Ekureku, Abi
- Unity Commercial Secondary School, Ugep
- Glorious Command Foundation Model School, Ugep
- Memoratta Nursery/Primary School, Ekori
- Apostolic Secondary School, Ekori
- Kings Excellent Academy, Nko
- Achievers Nursery/Primary School, Nko
- God’s First Scholars Academy, Nko
- Jesus is the Answer Nursery/Primary School, Ugep
- Mom’s Brilliant International School, Nko
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to restoring quality education in the state and ensuring that all schools meet approved standards before resuming operations.
By SaintAugustine Adula Odey
