Enugu State Government has directed the immediate closure of all private schools, at basic and post-basic levels, operating in the state without written approval of the state’s ministry of education.
The directive, according to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, was on the heels of substandard private schools springing up across the state without registration or approval of the ministry as required by law.
Eze stated that the development is a source of concern to government and stakeholders in the education sector in the state.
He said: “Without registration and approval, government cannot guarantee or assure the state of infrastructure or the quality of teaching and learning offered in such schools.”
The education commissioner advised affected persons and schools to abide by the directive in their own interest, stating that “the state government shall, two weeks from the date of this announcement, embark on forceful closure of any defaulting school, prosecute and punish any person or group still flouting the directive.”
Eze pointed out that the directive was pursuant to powers conferred by the Education Law of Enugu State and in its determination to secure the right of children in the state to good and quality education.”
He advised proprietors and promoters of private schools “to note that it is a criminal offence punishable upon conviction with imprisonment, fine or both for any person to establish, open, or publish any advertisement in connection with any private school in the state without the written approval of the state’s ministry of education.”
He, therefore, urged the general public to take note of the illegal operation of private schools in Enugu and be guided accordingly.
