The Cross River State government says 156 illegal schools were shut down in the year 2025 as part of efforts of the government to sustain its commitment to improving the quality of education.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar, said more illegal schools will be shut across the 18 local government areas of the state this year.
Prof. Odey explained that the action aligns with the ministry’s directive to clamp down on schools operating without the mandatory approval to operate.
According to him, the ongoing enforcement exercise is part of the government’s broader education reform agenda aimed at sanitising the sector and ensuring that only duly approved schools operate within the state.
He added that the initiative is also designed to safeguard the academic future of pupils and students, noting that many unapproved schools fail to meet the minimum standards required for effective teaching and learning.
Prof. Odey disclosed that the exercise would continue this year to ensure full compliance with government regulations.
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“The sanitisation of illegal schools is for the betterment of our children. Every school proprietor must do the right thing by obtaining the approval to operate.
“Any proprietor who reopens a closed school without authorisation will be duly penalised,” the commissioner warned.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Cross River State government’s unwavering commitment to restoring quality education and ensuring that all schools in the state meet approved standards.
