C’River Intensifies Education Sector Cleansing, Seals 14 Unapproved Schools
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has intensified the ongoing cleansing of the education sector with the sealing of 14 schools in Calabar South Local Government Area for operating without the required Approval to Operate (ATO).
The enforcement exercise, carried out by the Ministry of Education through its Quality Assurance Department, is part of sustained efforts by the State Government to rid the sector of unapproved institutions and ensure that children receive education in safe, conducive and properly regulated environments.
Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen A. Odey, said the exercise was driven by the government’s determination to protect pupils and students while raising the standard of education delivery across the State.
Odey said schools operating without the requisite approval could not be allowed to compromise the quality and safety standards expected of educational institutions.
He therefore urged proprietors of unapproved schools to regularise their institutions by obtaining the necessary approval from the Ministry of Education, stressing that the enforcement exercise was intended to bring operators into compliance with established regulations.
The Commissioner warned that any school sealed by government and subsequently reopened without official authorisation would face appropriate sanctions.
He said the cleansing exercise would not be limited to Calabar South, but would continue across the State’s 18 Local Government Areas until unapproved schools are identified and brought within the regulatory framework.
According to him, the government’s objective is not merely to close schools, but to create an education system where every child has access to a safe, standard and conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
Among the schools sealed in Calabar South are De-Famous Academy International School, 9 Orok Effiom Street; Glory Academy, 14 Antigha Street; Aunty Febas Preparatory Schools, 38 Umo Orok Street; Treasure Kids Academy, Abasi Orok Street; and Emerald Bay School, 9 Abasi Orok Street.
Others are Great Destiny Kingdom Schools, 13 Ene Obong Street; Great Ambassadors, 8 Otokang Street; Splended Nursery and Primary School, 15 Orok Effiom Street; Jubilant Montessori, 11/13 Howell Street; and Ability International Schools, 31 Umoh Orok Street (Secondary).
Also affected are The River of God Academy, 31 Umoh Orok Street (Secondary); Mary Melody N/P School, 46 Eyo Ita Street; Divine Golden Nursery/Primary School, 10 Archibong Lane; and Vato-Gold Academy Nursery/Primary School, 25/27 Eyo Ita Street.
The State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the education sector cleansing across Cross River, with proprietors encouraged to regularise their institutions and comply with all requirements for lawful operation.
