By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has sealed several private schools operating without authorization as part of its drive to standardize educational delivery in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Leading the enforcement exercise, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, said the clampdown was necessary to rid the state of substandard institutions that compromise the future of children. He was accompanied by top ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Directors, Zonal Directors, Special Assistant on Education Monitoring, and Local Government Supervisors of Education.
Prof. Umoh expressed dismay over the increasing trend of makeshift and unapproved schools springing up across the state, noting that some proprietors had turned abandoned buildings, town halls, and even uncompleted structures into schools. He also condemned the unhealthy practice of classrooms fabricated on septic tanks, multiple classes sharing a single blackboard, and poorly partitioned spaces with deplorable sanitary conditions.
“It is deeply troubling to see proprietors exceed the scope of their licenses, starting with approval for nursery schools but expanding into primary and secondary education without authorization. Such actions endanger the safety and quality of education of our children,” the commissioner stated.
He urged all school owners operating without the Ministry’s Authority to Operate (ATO) to regularize their documentation and registration immediately. Prof. Umoh also advised parents and guardians to avoid enrolling their children in unapproved schools, warning that the government will continue a statewide enforcement exercise throughout the new academic year.
Among the schools shut down were Gracious Steps Royal Academy, Toppers Academy, Houston International Schools, Purple Hills Schools, Sparkling Height Schools, Beloved Child of God International School, Glorious Future Academy, Spring Success International School, and Marcus Garvey Drillers Foundation Schools.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the Ministry of Education will not compromise on the standard and safety of schools in Akwa Ibom State.
