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In a decisive move aimed at protecting the future of children in the state, the Enugu State Ministry of Education, led by Honourable Commissioner, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, has commenced the enforcement of educational policy compliance. Today, the Ministry took bold steps to shut down substandard schools that have blatantly flouted the rules and put students’ lives at risk.
This action follows an earlier call by the Ministry for all operators of educational institutions across the Basic and Secondary levels to comply with state regulations, which mandate registration and approval by the Ministry. The four-month grace period for schools to align with these directives has now expired, prompting the Ministry to begin its clampdown on non-compliant schools.
During today’s exercise, it was discovered that several schools had been operating under life-threatening conditions, subjecting innocent children to unsafe and unhealthy learning environments. Shockingly, schools were found to be in complete disregard of the rules guiding the establishment and management of educational institutions.
One such institution, Evangel School, was operating in a church building where children were packed into cramped, unventilated rooms, raising serious concerns about their safety. In an alarming twist, over 20 children were found locked in a room in an attempt to conceal the school’s illegal operations from inspectors. The operator of the school has since been apprehended.
Similarly, Ivory Education Centre, located along Owerri Road, Asata, was discovered to be conducting classes amid ongoing construction work, creating hazardous conditions for the children. Meanwhile, Eastview Nursery and Primary School, situated in Railway Quarters, Njemanze, was declared completely unfit for habitation.
The crackdown did not stop there. Other schools shut down for failing to meet the minimum required standards include St. Michael Nursery and Primary School, Asata; St. Bartholomew Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, Asata; and Olive Grove Nursery and Primary Academy, Njemanze.
Speaking on the closures, Prof. Mbah reiterated the Ministry’s stance against substandard education, stating that the Enugu State Government is intolerant to schools that compromise the well-being of students. “The safety and quality of education our children receive must be prioritized. We will not allow any school to operate below the required standards. This is about the future of our state, and we owe it to our children to give them the best foundation,” he stated.
The Enugu State Government has expressed growing concern over the alarming increase in unauthorized and substandard schools cropping up across the state. In line with the Education Law, specifically Part VI Section 49 subsection 2 and Section 53 subsection (1)(a) and (b), it is an offence to establish and operate a school without first obtaining evaluation and approval from the Ministry of Education.
The Task Force, set up by the government to enforce these minimum standards, is actively carrying out its mandate to ensure that every school in the state adheres to the stipulated guidelines. This effort highlights the government’s commitment to creating a safe, conducive learning environment for students.
The Ministry of Education has also reassured law-abiding schools that their compliance will be acknowledged, and the government will continue to support their efforts to provide quality education. However, schools found in violation will face immediate closure, penalties, and legal actions as the State has a zero-tolerance approach towards substandard education.
The public is hereby encouraged to report any unregistered or substandard schools within their communities to help maintain the integrity of education across the state.
