Abia bans seven schools operating illegally

The Abia State Government has closed seven private schools operating illegally in different parts of Aba, the commercial nerve of the state.

The Commissioner for Education in the state, Hon. Ukwu Rocks-Emma, who disclosed this in a statement said while some of the owners of the affected schools were operating without obtaining requisite state government’s approval, others after getting the approval of the government, went back to compromise standard.

Ukwu threatened long lasting blacklisting and possible prosecution of the proprietors of the affected schools.

The Commissioner called on parents/guardians of pupils and students schooling in the affected school to withdraw them from there.

The statement reads “Consequent upon our resolve to sanitise the education industry in Abia State as it concerns the establishment and running of schools, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon. Ukwu Rocks Emma hereby directs all illegal schools in Abia State to shut down operations and close shop.

“Note that for a school to operate in this state, the proprietors must guarantee an enabling environment for teaching and learning and the schools are certified thus.

“We have observed with dismay, the irresponsibility of some individuals running schools without obtaining requisite Approval (written, signed and sealed) from the Commissioner’s office.

“And henceforth, approvals obtained but later compromised by subsequent lowered standards shall automatically meet with withdrawal.

“All genuine proprietors are to display copies of approval instruments publicly and show original copies to our officers on demand.

“Every school should also as a matter of urgency cue into the electronic portal of the Ministry.

“This is for authentication and easy operations in this digital age. Time for half measures and amnesty is over! The clampdown is on.

“The public is hereby notified that the following schools have been closed and disbanded include Bethesda House International school, 42 Owerri road off Okigwe road Aba, Lily Brains International School, 57 Erondu street, Aba, Conquering Ground International School, 35 7up road Ogborhill Aba, Presbyterian Academy, 35 Glass industry extension, 7up area Ogborhill Aba, Shade of Mercy International School, Fruitful Ground Christian School, Aba, His Mercies Christian Academy, St. Eugene Road Aba.

“Parents and guardians are advised to immediately withdraw their children from these schools. Sabotaging this order by the proprietors behind our back will earn such persons long lasting blacklisting in matters educational in Abia State. They may also face prosecution. Please Support Abia State to get rid of this cankerworm called Quack Schools.”