By Patricia Ogbeche
The Cross River State Ministry of Education has commenced the closure of illegal schools across the state, in line with the new reforms introduced in the education sector and following the inauguration of the Taskforce on Illegal Schools earlier this month, on October 8, 2025.
The Taskforce team began enforcement in Calabar Municipal, Ikom, and Ogoja Local Government Areas, sealing off schools that have failed to meet the Ministry’s operational guidelines.
According to the Ministry, the affected schools were operating without proper registration or authorization. They had not obtained the Authority to Operate (ATO) from the Ministry, nor were they registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Some of the schools were found to be operating in unhygienic and unsafe environments, while others were running from private residences, a clear violation of the Ministry’s standards for educational institutions.
A total of 16 illegal schools were shut down in Calabar Municipal. They include:
1. Destiny Group of Schools, Obutok
2. Peculiar Children Academy
3. Aunty Etimbuk Blossom Academy, Big Qua Town
4. Elevate International School, 4 Nyok Esu Street
5. Help From Above Nursery School, Akai Efa
6. Topmost Academy, 3 Akai Street
7. De Jumbo Academy, Ikot Ansa
8. Diamond Schools, 8 Miles (Inter Agro Road, behind First Bank)
9. Glad International Nursery School, behind 8 Miles
10. Excellent Future Academy, Ikot Nkebre
11. Samfresh Lead Schools, 8 Miles, Ikot Ekpo
12. The Almighty Academy, Efa Oboh Street
13. De Palace Academy, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo, 8 Miles
14. Divine Brains Academy, Nasarawa
15. Aunty Celia Nursery and Primary School, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo
16. Gospel Nursery and Primary School, Esuk Otu Street, Calabar
10 illegal schools were also shut down in Ikom. They include:
1. Alpha Noble Academy, by R&C Water, Border Road, Ikom
2. Cephas Faith Academy, Obaji Ogar Estate, Grassfield, Ikom
3. Majesty Unique Academy, by R&C Water, Border Road, Ikom
4. Triumph Nursery/Primary School, Yawunde, Ikom
5. Ideal Schools, Yawunde, Ikom
6. Ark Salvation & Wisdom Schools, Edor
7. God’s Double Academy, College Road, Edor
8. Bendok Schools, by Ikom–Ogoja Highway, Edor
9. Eden Academy, along Border Road
10. Dominion Academy Secondary School, Nkarassi
Similarly, 10 illegal schools were closed down in Ogoja. They include:
1. Stars Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ishiborr
2. Redeemers Academy (Redeem Church), Igoli Ogoja
3. Firmament Stars Secondary School, Njaman Abakpa, Ogoja
4. King Carries Multinational High School, Ndok Junction, Ogoja
5. Light Bearers Academy Nursery/Primary and Secondary School
6. Satwo Nursery/Primary School, Ndok Junction, Ogoja
7. Faith Mission Academy, Ndok Junction, Ogoja
8. St. Peter Nursery/Primary School, Eshinjok
9. Wisdom Nursery/Primary School, Mbok 1
10. Freedom Heritage Academy Nursery/Primary School, Njaman Abakpa, Ogoja
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of education in Cross River State and ensuring that all schools meet the required operational standards.
Parents and guardians are strongly advised to withdraw their children and wards from all schools that have been shut down and enroll them in duly registered and approved institutions.
The Ministry also reaffirmed that the exercise will continue in other educational zones in the coming weeks as part of its efforts to sanitize and strengthen the education system in the state.
