Cross River Moves to Enforce Standards as Government Shuts Illegal Schools
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to sanitize the education sector with the closure of illegal and substandard schools across the state. The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Steve Odey, said the action is part of a systematic reform aimed at restoring order, improving quality, and ensuring that students learn under safe and approved conditions.
In an interview with our correspondent, Prof. Odey explained that the crackdown became necessary following the growing number of private and mission-owned schools operating without government authorization or compliance with basic education standards.
He said many of the affected schools lacked adequate facilities, qualified teachers, and suitable learning environments, posing risks to the academic development and safety of students.
“Our standards are clear. Schools must have standard classrooms, competent teachers, and a conducive environment for learning. Schools should also maintain reasonable spacing from one another, at least three kilometers apart,” he stated. “However, what we found during inspections showed clear non-compliance, with many schools operating far below the required benchmarks.”
The commissioner confirmed that 36 schools operating illegally across three local government areas were recently shut down with full approval of the state government. He described the exercise as essential to restoring credibility and maintaining quality assurance in both primary and secondary education.
He added that the enforcement will help rebuild public trust in education delivery and ensure that children receive proper learning opportunities in regulated environments.
“So far, 16 schools have been sealed in the Calabar educational zone, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja. This exercise will continue in all 18 local government areas of the state,” Odey said.
Prof. Odey appealed to parents and guardians to confirm the approval status of schools before enrolling their children. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening educational standards and ensuring that all schools operate in line with established guidelines.
