Enugu State Government Cracks Down on Substandard Schools

Enugu State government gave operators four months to register or obtain provisional licenses before taking action.

Enugu state, Nigeria – In a bid to improve the quality of education in Enugu State, the government has shut down several schools deemed to be substandard and operating illegally. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, led the enforcement of the government’s policy on Saturday, citing the need to rid the state of poor education quality and skill deficiency.

A total of nine schools were affected by the closure, including Evangel School, Ivory Education Centre, Eastview Nursery and Primary School, St. Michael Nursery and Primary School, St. Bartholomew Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, and Olive Grove Nursery and Primary Academy. These schools were found to be operating without proper registration and approval from the ministry, as well as violating basic safety and health standards.

The commissioner explained that the government had earlier issued a directive requiring all educational institutions to comply with state regulations, including registration and approval by the ministry. The government gave operators four months to register or obtain provisional licenses before taking action.

Mbah expressed regret over the deplorable conditions in which some of the schools were operating, with open roofs, fallen rafters, and severely cracked walls housing hundreds of pupils. He described the situation as a complete disregard for the rules governing the establishment and management of educational institutions.

The commissioner emphasized that the government would not compromise on its commitment to raising the bar for education in Enugu State. This includes ensuring that teachers are competent and qualified, adhering to the curriculum, providing a conducive learning environment, and ensuring student safety.

Mbah also condemned the proliferation of illegal schools across the state, where unscrupulous proprietors exploit parents without providing commensurate quality education for their children. He noted that some schools were employing unqualified teachers and cramming children into dilapidated structures that put their lives in danger.

The government’s move is seen as a step towards restoring dignity to education in Enugu State and ensuring that children receive a quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.