BY PATRICIA OGBECHE

The Cross River State Government has continued its statewide sanitization of the education sector with the closure of several unapproved schools operating without the required Authority to Operate (ATO) across the state.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Ministry of Education Taskforce on the Closure of Illegal Schools, in line with the government’s commitment to restoring order, ensuring quality education, and maintaining standards in the system.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, reaffirmed the state government’s determination to uphold educational integrity across all levels. He noted that some proprietors, whose schools had earlier been shut down, were found to have defied directives by reopening illegally.

Senator Odey issued a stern warning to defaulting school owners, stating that any proprietor who continues to operate after being shut down will be arrested and prosecuted. He stressed that the ongoing education reforms will not be compromised or sabotaged by any individual or group.

“The ministry will continue to enforce compliance with the approved standards. Any operator caught reopening a closed school or running without approval will face the full weight of the law. We are determined to ensure that only properly accredited schools operate in Cross River State,” he said.

The Commissioner further noted that the ongoing exercise is aimed at protecting pupils and students from unsafe learning environments and unqualified teaching.

Among the affected schools are:

  1. Risgos Nursery and Primary School, Akpabuyo LGA
  2. Holy Ghost Academy, Oberekai, Lafarge Road, Akamkpa
  3. Brain Builders International Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, Abi-Mfam, Mfamosing, Akamkpa
  4. The Kings and Queens Academy, Mfamosing, Akamkpa
  5. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aningeje, Akamkpa
  6. Christ the King Genius Academy, Aningeje, Akamkpa II
  7. Methodist Academy, Aningeje, Akamkpa II
  8. Evangel Academic Centre, Nding-Ane, Akamkpa II
  9. St. Luke’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Nding-Ane, Akamkpa II
  10. Future Destiny Nursery and Primary School, Camp 3, Aningeje, Akamkpa
  11. Sterling Achievers Academy, Camp 4, Nding-Ane, Akamkpa
  12. Trinitas Nursery and Primary School, Oban, Akamkpa
  13. Christ Grace Nursery/Primary School, Etomi, Etung
  14. Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Etomi, Etung
  15. Apostolic Global Nursery/Primary School, Agborkim Waterfall, Etung
  16. Evangel Sunshine Nursery/Primary School, Ekimkae, Etung
  17. St. Philip Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Ekimkae, Etung
  18. Evangel Kawed Nursery/Primary School, Agborkim Waterfall, Etung
  19. Great Achievers Nursery/Primary School, Ekimkae, Bendeghe Ekiem
  20. Zion Model Academy, Akparabong Farm, Ikom
  21. Zion Model Nursery/Primary School, Akparabong Farm, Ikom
  22. Evangel Champion Nursery/Primary School, Ewowor, Ikom
  23. St. Justine De Martyr, Imaje, Yala
  24. Bright Mind Academy, Ugboro, Bekwarra
  25. Adonai Nursery/Primary School, Ibiariagidi, Bekwarra
  26. Hope High Nursery/Primary School, Ibiariagidi, Bekwarra
  27. Right Way International Nursery/Primary School, Ibiariagidi, Bekwarra
  28. St. Joseph Nursery/Primary School, Itekpa, Bekwarra
  29. Kings Agwu Nursery/Primary School, Itekpa, Bekwarra
  30. Wisdom Nursery/Primary School, Nyanya, Bekwarra
  31. St. Joseph Infant Treasure, Utukpuru, Bekwarra
  32. Joe Genius Nursery/Primary School, Gakem, Bekwarra

The Ministry reaffirmed that the closure exercise will continue until all illegal schools are completely phased out, ensuring that only government-approved institutions deliver quality education to children across Cross River State.

So far, over 100 illegal schools lacking the requisite learning environment and Approval to Operate (ATO) have been shut down within the first three days of the ongoing education sector sanitation exercise.