The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified its clampdown on unauthorized private schools, sealing several unlicensed institutions and ordering the arrest of proprietors who defied its directive.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, who led the enforcement task force, revealed that while many operators complied with the closure order, some unlawfully reopened their schools and resumed academic activities. He directed the immediate arrest of the offenders, who are now facing prosecution.
“During the ministry’s regular monitoring exercise, it was observed that while several proprietors of unauthorized schools obeyed the directive, a few defied the order and continued academic activities,” Prof. Essien stated.
He further warned parents and guardians across both urban and rural communities against enrolling their wards in unregistered schools, noting that the exercise would run throughout the academic year.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Prof. Essien explained that the crackdown was designed to standardize educational delivery, enforce compliance with state-approved standards, and eliminate substandard institutions that endanger the future of children in Akwa Ibom.
