Cross River Seals 36 Illegal Schools – The Cross River State Government has taken a firm stand against unregulated education by ordering the immediate closure of 36 unapproved schools operating across various communities in the state.
This decisive move comes after a comprehensive inspection carried out by the state task force on illegal educational institutions, which was inaugurated earlier this month to ensure compliance with official educational standards.
According to reports, the affected schools were found to be operating without formal registration, valid permits, or adherence to the state’s minimum learning requirements.
Many of them, the task force revealed, had been exploiting unsuspecting parents and guardians by collecting school fees and offering substandard education under false pretenses.
Cross River Seals 36 Illegal Schools – Education Commissioner Leads the Crackdown
In a statement released in Calabar on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, expressed deep concern over the proliferation of unauthorized schools across the state.
He described the development as not only disturbing but also dangerous to the integrity of the education system in Cross River. Professor Odey emphasized that the state government would not fold its arms while unqualified individuals continue to profit from parents’ ignorance and desperation.
According to him, some of these so-called “schools” operate in inadequate environments, without qualified teachers, proper infrastructure, or approval from the Ministry of Education. “We cannot allow our children’s future to be compromised by unaccredited institutions.
Education is the foundation of every society, and we must safeguard its quality and credibility,” the commissioner declared.
Cross River Seals 36 Illegal Schools – Enforcement Sweeps through Three Education Zones
The enforcement exercise, which began recently, covered Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja, three major education zones in Cross River State. During the operation, the task force identified and sealed off several schools that had been operating illegally for years.
Out of the 36 schools closed, 16 were located in Calabar, while 10 each were shut down in Ikom and Ogoja. Investigations revealed that none of these institutions possessed valid registration certificates, accreditation documents, or inspection clearance from the ministry.
Officials further discovered that many of these schools had failed to meet even the most basic standards for operation, including classroom space, sanitation, teaching staff qualifications, and safety measures.
Some were reportedly functioning in residential buildings, while others operated under makeshift shelters without learning materials or government supervision.
Professor Odey described the enforcement as a necessary step to cleanse the education system, adding that the state’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every child in Cross River has access to quality and credible learning institutions.
“We are not out to witch-hunt anyone,” he said, “but to ensure that education in our state meets the standards expected by both the government and the people. Only schools that meet the minimum operational requirements will be allowed to function.”
Rebuilding Confidence in Cross River’s Education System
The education commissioner also noted that this action is part of the state government’s broader strategy to restore public confidence in the educational sector. Over the years, the presence of unregistered schools has diluted the value of education, producing poorly trained pupils and students who struggle academically.
The government believes that by shutting down unapproved institutions, parents will be encouraged to enroll their wards only in accredited schools where proper supervision and quality teaching are guaranteed.
To sustain the momentum, the Ministry of Education has vowed to continue its inspection across the remaining 15 local government areas of the state until every illegal school is either properly registered or permanently sealed.
“This exercise will continue until the last unapproved school is regularized or closed. We will not tolerate shortcuts in education,” Professor Odey reaffirmed.
Government Sends Strong Warning to School Owners
In addition to closing the unapproved schools, the commissioner issued a strong warning to all private school proprietors operating within Cross River State. He reminded them that running a school without government approval is a serious offense that attracts legal penalties.
The ministry urged all school owners to complete the necessary registration process, follow the stipulated curriculum, and maintain facilities that promote safe and effective learning.
According to Odey, the government’s intention is not to disrupt academic activities but to ensure that every school provides a learning environment that meets national and state standards.
He encouraged proprietors to see this enforcement not as a threat but as an opportunity to regularize their operations and align with the state’s educational goals.
Parents Urged to Verify Schools before Enrollment
Professor Odey also appealed to parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in verifying the legitimacy of schools before enrolling their children. He warned that enrolling pupils in illegal schools not only wastes money but also puts the children’s future at risk, as certificates issued by unaccredited institutions are not recognized by the government.
Parents were advised to always request proof of approval or accreditation before paying school fees. The commissioner added that the ministry will soon publish a list of all approved schools in Cross River State to help families make informed decisions.
“Parents must work with us to ensure that their children attend only recognized schools. We cannot fight this battle alone,” he said.
Strengthening Oversight and Quality Control
The Cross River State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving educational oversight through regular monitoring and evaluation. The task force, which will now operate permanently, is expected to conduct routine visits to both public and private schools to ensure continuous compliance with government standards.
The ministry also plans to organize workshops and orientation sessions for school proprietors, administrators, and teachers to enlighten them on updated educational policies and best practices.
This approach, according to Professor Odey, will not only raise the quality of education in Cross River but also ensure that schools maintain consistent standards year after year.
A Step toward a Stronger Educational Future
The closure of 36 illegal schools may appear drastic, but the government insists it is a long-overdue measure necessary to secure the state’s educational integrity. Allowing substandard schools to operate freely, officials warn, will only lead to a generation of undereducated youths, unqualified graduates, and frustrated parents.
By taking this bold step, the Cross River State Government aims to send a clear message that education is not a business venture but a sacred responsibility. Every child deserves to be taught in an environment that is safe, approved, and conducive for learning.
The enforcement drive also signals the government’s renewed determination to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and excellence within the state’s education system.
“We are committed to building a stronger, cleaner, and more reliable education sector that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country,” Odey assured.
What This Means for Cross River Residents
For many residents, the government’s action is a wake-up call. It reminds parents, teachers, and school owners alike that education is a shared responsibility. Stakeholders across the state have expressed mixed reactions, while some praise the move as timely and necessary, others believe more support should be given to small schools struggling to meet approval requirements.
Nevertheless, education experts have applauded the ministry’s firmness, stating that maintaining standards is essential for progress. They argue that if left unchecked, unapproved schools could continue to lower educational quality, leaving students ill-prepared for higher studies and future careers.
Moving Forward – Ensuring Sustainability
The next phase of the enforcement exercise will focus on helping schools that wish to regularize their status. The ministry has already opened a dedicated desk to guide proprietors through the registration and approval process. Those who comply will be assisted in meeting infrastructure and academic requirements, while those who fail to do so will face legal closure.
Through this initiative, the government hopes to strike a balance between enforcement and empowerment, ensuring that no child is denied education while maintaining the integrity of the system.
As Cross River State continues this campaign, it sends a strong signal that quality education is non-negotiable. Every school, whether public or private, must operate under approved conditions that prioritize the welfare and future of every student.
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