By Musa Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Ministry of Education has shut down all illegal and unapproved schools operating across the state.
A Taskforce inaugurated earlier this month by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Prof. Stephen Odey, began full-scale operations in Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja Educational Zones.
The exercise which is part of the Ministry’s ongoing reforms to sanitize the education sector and uphold quality learning standards, resulted in the closure of several schools found to be operating without government approval.
Some of the affected schools include: Destiny Group of Schools, Obutong Peculiar Children Academy
. Aunty Etimbuk Blossom Academy, Big Qua Town
. Elevate International School, 4 Nyok Esu Street
. Help From Above Nursery School, Akai Efa
Topmost Academy, 3 Akai Street
De Jumbo Academy, Ikot Ansa
Diamond Schools, 8 Inter Agro Road, Behind First Bank, 8 Miles
Glad International Nursery School, Behind 8 Miles
Others are . Excellent Future Academy, Ikot Nkebre
. Samfresh Lead Schools, 8 Miles, Ikot Ekpo
. The Almighty Academy, Efa Oboh Street
. De Palace Academy, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo, 8 Miles
. Divine Brains Academy, Nasarawa
. Aunty Celia Nursery and Primary School, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo
Gospel Nursery and Primary School, Esuk Otu. Alpha Noble Academy, by R&C Water, Border Road, Ikom
. Cephas Faith Academy, Obaji Ogar Estate, Grassfield, Ikom
Majesty Unique Academy, by R&C Water, Border Road, Ikom
. Triumph Nursery/Primary School, Yawunde, Ikom Ideal Schools, Yawunde, Ikom. Ark Salvation & Wisdom Schools, Edor. God’s Double Academy, College Road, Edor
. Bendok Schools, by Ikom/Ogoja Highway, Edor
. Eden Academy, along Border Road
. Dominion Academy Secondary School, Nkarassi
Stars Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ishiborr
. Kredeemers Academy (Redeem Church), Igoli Ogoja
. Firmament Stars Secondary School, Njaman Abakpa, Ogoja
. King Carries Multi-National High School, Ndok Junction, Ogoja
. Light Bearers Academy Nursery/Primary and Secondary School. Satwo Nursery/Primary School, Ndok Junction, Ogoja
. Faith Mission Academy, Ndok Junction, Ogoja. St. Peter Nursery/Primary School, Eshinjok
. Wisdom Nursery/Primary School, Mbok. Freedom Heritage Academy Nursery/Primary School, Njaman Abakpa, Ogoja
In total, 16 illegal schools were shut down in the Calabar Educational Zone, 10 in the Ikom Zone, and 10 in the Ogoja Zone, making a total of 36 illegal schools closed down across the state.
The Taskforce reiterated that the Ministry will not compromise on educational standards, emphasizing that only schools duly approved by the Ministry are authorized to operate.
Parents and guardians have been strongly advised to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children.
The Ministry further noted that the ongoing enforcement exercise will continue across all 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
