The Enugu State Government has taken decisive action by shutting down several schools operating illegally and in unsafe conditions. This move, led by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, aims to improve the quality of education across the state by ensuring that schools meet minimum safety and educational standards.

On Saturday, September 28, Prof. Mbah announced that the closures were part of a wider enforcement campaign designed to rid the state of poorly run schools that fail to provide students with the education they deserve. The government’s effort is also focused on addressing skill deficiencies and ensuring that students in Enugu can compete on a global scale.

Among the schools that were closed are Evangel School, Ivory Education Centre, located on Owerri Road in Asata, and Eastview Nursery and Primary School in Railway Quarters, Njemanze. Other schools that were impacted include:

• St. Michael Nursery and Primary School, Asata
• St. Bartholomew Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, Asata
• Olive Grove Nursery and Primary Academy, Njemanze

These institutions were found to be operating illegally without proper registration or approval from the Ministry of Education. Additionally, they were deemed unsafe for students due to serious structural issues.

Prof. Mbah expressed his concern over the dangerous conditions in which many of these schools were operating. In some cases, the schools had open roofs, collapsed rafters, and cracked walls, all of which posed serious risks to the safety of students. These hazardous conditions highlighted a severe lack of adherence to the state’s guidelines for setting up and maintaining educational institutions.

“The state government will not compromise on its commitment to raising the bar for education,” Prof. Mbah stated. He emphasized that the government is focused on ensuring that every school has qualified teachers, follows the appropriate curriculum, and provides a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

One of the key issues that prompted the crackdown was the proliferation of illegal schools across Enugu State. Many of these institutions were found to be exploiting parents by charging high fees without delivering quality education. The lack of qualified teachers and proper facilities in these schools further worsened the situation, leaving students ill-prepared for future challenges.

“These schools, by their very nature, fail to provide the basic education needed for students to acquire 21st-century skills,” Prof. Mbah said. He explained that the government had been raising awareness about the need for education to align with global best practices, particularly if the children of Enugu are to compete with their peers worldwide.

The state government had previously given a four-month grace period to schools that were operating without proper registration, allowing them time to either regularize their operations or apply for provisional licenses. Despite this, many schools failed to comply, resulting in the recent closures. Prof. Mbah made it clear that the crackdown would continue as part of the government’s broader effort to restore dignity to the education system in Enugu State.

The Enugu State Government’s move is a significant step toward improving the overall quality of education in the region. By targeting illegal and substandard schools, the government is ensuring that students have access to a better learning experience, one that is safe and focused on providing the skills needed for future success.

Prof. Mbah reiterated that the government’s focus is on ensuring qualified teachers, adhering strictly to the curriculum, and creating a safe environment for learning. He also mentioned that the state is committed to working with legitimate educational institutions to improve the standard of education.

The closure of illegal and unsafe schools in Enugu State marks a positive change for the education system. While the process may cause short-term disruption for students and parents, the long-term goal is to create a healthier, more effective education system where students can learn in safe, well-managed environments. The government’s firm stance on education reform shows a commitment to ensuring that every child in Enugu has access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

The message is clear: schools that fail to meet the required standards will not be tolerated, and the government will continue to enforce regulations to ensure that all educational institutions in Enugu operate legally and safely.