Ebonyi State Government Cracks Down on Illegal Schools, Seals 26 Premises

In a bid to uphold educational standards and ensure a conducive learning environment for students, the Ebonyi State Government has taken decisive action against illegal schools operating within its jurisdiction. 

A total of 26 schools have been sealed off by government authorities for operating in substandard conditions, including church halls, shanties, farms, and uncompleted buildings. The crackdown was spearheaded by Peter Nwogbaga, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Secondary Education, and Ifeoma Agwu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Education.

SEE: Nwifuru Eases NECO and WAEC Fee Burdens for Students Amid Hike

The affected schools, situated in Onueke Ezza, South Local Government Area, Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, were deemed illegal and unfit for educational purposes. Nwogbaga emphasized that schools operating within church halls have been permanently sealed, urging church leaders interested in establishing educational institutions to acquire proper land sites and seek approval from the Ministry of Education.

READ: Women Groups in Ebonyi Call for Integration of FGM Tutorials into Education Curriculum

Expressing concern over the proliferation of schools in non-conducive environments, Nwogbaga vowed that the enforcement committee would extend its operations to every community in the state to clamp down on illegal educational facilities.

FOLLOW: EBSU Earns Accreditation to Launch Theatre Arts and Film Department

Echoing this sentiment, Agwu highlighted the government's commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring that children in Ebonyi State are not subjected to substandard learning conditions.

Meanwhile, representatives from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Ebonyi State, including Sunday Agbo, commended Governor Nwifuru's efforts in restoring order to the educational sector. Notably, some school proprietors found to be in violation of the law were also apprehended during the enforcement exercise.

The crackdown on illegal schools underscores the government's determination to uphold educational standards and safeguard the welfare of students across Ebonyi State..