The Enugu State government, under Governor Peter Mbah, has taken action to shut down several private schools deemed to be of low quality and operating illegally. This decision comes despite the ongoing challenges related to infrastructure in public schools throughout the state.
On Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, announced that the government is actively enforcing educational policies aimed at eliminating substandard institutions. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education in Enugu State.
In a statement from the governor’s office, Prof. Mbah noted his commitment to improving educational standards. He expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal schools where owners exploit parents without providing adequate educational services.
Many of these institutions were found to employ unqualified teachers and operate in unsafe conditions, jeopardizing students’ well-being. The crackdown follows a previous directive mandating that all educational establishments meet state regulations, including proper registration and approval before commencing operations.
“We previously engaged with stakeholders in the education sector to inform them about the government’s policies,” the commissioner stated. He stressed the importance of aligning local education with global standards to equip children with the necessary skills for the modern workforce.
Prof. Mbah pointed out that the government had given a four-month grace period for non-compliant schools to register. With that period now elapsed, enforcement actions have begun. He highlighted that many of the discovered schools were in hazardous conditions, with some operating in buildings that could potentially collapse.
The closure affected several institutions, including Evangel School, where students were found crammed into a small church and even hidden in toilets when enforcement teams arrived. Other affected schools included Ivory Education Centre, Eastview Nursery and Primary School, and St. Michael Nursery and Primary School, all of which were found operating in unsuitable environments.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards, Prof. Mbah warned that operators of illegal schools could face imprisonment. “We must prioritize the safety and quality of education for our children. No school will be allowed to function below the required standards,” he stated.
He also assured compliant schools that the government would continue to support them while encouraging the public to report any unregistered or low-quality institutions to uphold the integrity of education in Enugu State.
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