The Ebonyi State government has launched a major crackdown on unapproved schools, shutting down illegal institutions and arresting 88 proprietors and teachers found operating without proper authorization.
The enforcement followed a statewide inspection by the Ministry of Education, which discovered schools lacking qualified staff, adequate facilities, and approved curricula. Officials said such institutions posed a serious threat to the quality of education, leading to their immediate closure.
Speaking in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr. Donatus Illang, said the move was necessary to protect the future of children in the state.
“We cannot afford to compromise our children’s future. These schools fail to meet basic standards for learning and therefore endanger the education system,” Illang stated.
He confirmed that those arrested are under investigation and would face prosecution. The commissioner also issued a stern warning to other school owners still defying government regulations, insisting that the state will not hesitate to clamp down on them.
Illang advised parents to confirm the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children and urged communities to report any suspected illegal schools.
To support compliant institutions, he explained that the state government has introduced measures such as teacher training programs and infrastructure upgrades to help schools meet required standards.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Illang said every child in Ebonyi deserves access to quality education in a safe, regulated learning environment.