The Cross River State Government has closed 36 schools found operating illegally across the three educational zones of Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja.
The action followed an enforcement operation by the State Taskforce on Illegal Schools, inaugurated earlier this month by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, as part of efforts to sanitize the education sector and uphold quality standards.
According to information published on the official website of the Ministry of Education, the affected schools include 16 in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and 10 in Ogoja, all operating without government approval.
In Calabar, the closed institutions are; Destiny Group of Schools, Peculiar Children Academy, Aunty Etimbuk Blossom Academy, Elevate International School, Help From Above Nursery School, Topmost Academy, De Jumbo Academy, Diamond Schools, Glad International Nursery School, Excellent Future Academy, Samfresh Lead Schools, The Almighty Academy, De Palace Academy, Divine Brains Academy, Aunty Celia Nursery and Primary School, and Gospel Nursery and Primary School.
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In Ikom Local Government Area, the schools include; Alpha Noble Academy, Cephas Faith Academy, Majesty Unique Academy, Triumph Nursery/Primary School, Ideal Schools, Ark Salvation and Wisdom Schools, God’s Double Academy, Bendok Schools, Eden Academy, Dominion Academy Secondary School, and Stars Academy Nursery/Primary School.
In Ogoja, the affected schools are; Redeemers Academy, Firmament Stars Secondary School, King Carries Multi-National High School, Light Bearers Academy, Satwo Nursery/Primary School, Faith Mission Academy, St. Peter Nursery/Primary School, Wisdom Nursery/Primary School, and Freedom Heritage Academy.
During the operation, the taskforce emphasized that the Ministry of Education would not compromise on quality, warning that only schools duly approved by the government are permitted to operate.
The Ministry also urged parents and guardians to confirm the approval status of schools before enrolling their wards, noting that the crackdown on illegal institutions will continue across all 18 local government areas of Cross River State.
