Seven private schools that were functioning in various areas of Aba, the state's commercial hub, have been shut down, according to the government of Abia State.
Hon. Ukwu Rocks-Emma, the state's commissioner for education, stated that the government's goal was to sanitise the education sector in the state. He added that while some of the owners of the affected schools operated without the required state government approval, others returned to compromising standards after receiving that approval.
The Ministry of Education issued a statement in which it threatened permanent blacklisting and potential legal action against the owners of the impacted schools, urging parents and guardians to remove their children from those institutions.
The statement reads “Consequent upon our resolve to sanitise the education industry in Abia State as it concerns the establishment and running of schools, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Ukwu Rocks Emma hereby directs all illegal schools in Abia State to shut down operations and close shop.
“Note that for a school to operate in this state, the proprietors must guarantee an enabling environment for teaching and learning and the schools are certified thus.
“We have observed with dismay, the irresponsibility of some individuals running schools without obtaining requisite Approval (written, signed and sealed) from the Commissioner’s office.
“And henceforth, approvals obtained but later compromised by subsequent lowered standards shall automatically meet with withdrawal.
“All genuine proprietors are to display copies of approval instruments publicly and show original copies to our officers on demand.
“Every school should also as a matter of urgency cue into the electronic portal of the Ministry.
“This is for authentication and easy operations in this digital age. Time for half measures and amnesty is over! The clampdown is on.
“The public is hereby notified that the following schools have been closed and disbanded include Bethesda House International school, 42 Owerri road off Okigwe road Aba, Lily Brains International School, 57 Erondu street, Aba, Conquering Ground International School, 35 7up road Ogborhill Aba, Presbyterian Academy, 35 Glass industry extension, 7up area Ogborhill Aba, Shade of Mercy International School, Fruitful Ground Christian School, Aba, His Mercies Christian Academy, St. Eugene Road Aba. Parents and guardians are advised to immediately withdraw their children from these schools. Sabotaging this order by the proprietors behind our back will earn such persons long lasting blacklisting in matters educational in Abia State. They may also face prosecution. Please Support Abia State to get rid of this cankerworm called Quack Schools.”