The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, has declared that the closure of unapproved schools in the state, will continue and that the enforcement exercise will touch all parts of the state. Additionally, any school operating without an Authority to Operate, ATO, or lacking a safe and conducive learning environment, will face immediate closure.
Odey made this disclosure as 12 unapproved schools operating in the state were shut down. He insisted that several of the affected schools were operating in environments deemed unsuitable for young children, with inadequate facilities and poor infrastructure and warned that any school found reopening after being officially sealed will be penalized in line with existing state regulations.
The schools shut down in the latest exercise include:
1. Esti-P Nursery/Primary School, Old Army Barracks, Ikom
2. Premier Kids Academy, Adijinkpor, Ikom
3. Kiddies Prime Nursery/Primary School, Okangha
4. Bright Tomorrow Nursery/Primary School, Sweet Mother Street, Ikom
5. Solid Rock Academy, Akam, Ikom
6. Godswill Model Academy, Sweet Mother Street, Ikom
7. Excellent Base School, Ugep
8. Rescue Comprehensive College, Ugep
9. St. Martins Foundation Secondary School, Ugep.
10. Crown Star Academy, Ekori
11. St. Luke’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Etomi.
12. Global Academy Nursery/Primary School, Agbokim Waterfall.
13. God’s Heritage Nursery/Primary/Secondary School, Ajassor Mission.
The state government reiterated that the exercise is not aimed at punishing genuine investors in education but at protecting children and upholding minimum standards. School proprietors have been encouraged to regularize their operations and obtain the necessary approvals to avoid sanctions. The Ministry of Education assured residents that the enforcement drive will continue until all schools across the state meet the required operational standards.
Odey, a Professor, further emphasized that the administration of Bassey Edet Otu remains firmly committed to delivering quality education to every child in Cross River State. He noted that the Governor’s vision for the education sector includes strict enforcement of standards and the elimination of illegal operators.
Credit: CRS Ministry of Education.
