The Enugu State Government has commenced the enforcement of strict educational policies, resulting in the shutdown of various illegal and low-quality schools. This step aims to eliminate poor educational standards and enhance skill acquisition among students.
Both parents and stakeholders in the education sector have applauded Governor Peter Mbah for his “critical reforms,” which they believe will improve education in Enugu and better equip young learners with globally competitive skills.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing high-quality education with qualified teachers, adherence to the approved curriculum, and a safe learning environment. He stressed that these standards are non-negotiable as Enugu aims to boost the quality of education.
Prof. Mbah expressed concern about the widespread operation of unauthorized schools, pointing out that some proprietors exploit parents by charging fees without delivering quality education. He added that many such schools employ unqualified teachers and operate in unsafe buildings, endangering children’s lives.
The government has previously directed all operators of primary and secondary educational institutions to comply with state regulations, which mandate registration and approval from the Ministry of Education before they commence operations. Despite extensive engagement with public and private education practitioners and a four-month grace period for compliance, several schools failed to meet the standards, leading to the current enforcement action.
“We made our educational policies clear during engagements with stakeholders, emphasizing the need for education in Enugu to meet global standards and equip our children with 21st-century skills. Unfortunately, many schools chose to ignore our directives, which necessitated this crackdown,” Prof. Mbah stated.
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The enforcement team found several schools in dangerous conditions, with some institutions conducting classes in dilapidated structures or under open roofs. According to Prof. Mbah, these conditions pose a serious risk to children, and the state government is committed to ending these unsafe practices.
During the enforcement exercise, several schools were shut down for failing to comply with educational standards, including:
- Evangel School: Found to be operating inside a small church, with children hidden in toilets to evade inspectors.
- Ivory Education Centre: Conducted classes in makeshift garages and an unfinished building.
- Eastview Nursery and Primary School: Operated in a crumbling barn.
- St. Michael Nursery and Primary School and St. Bartholomew Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School: Located in substandard structures at Asata.
- Olive Grove Nursery and Primary Academy: Based in an unsafe facility in Njemanze.
Prof. Mbah reiterated the government’s firm stance against substandard education, warning that proprietors of illegal schools risk imprisonment under state laws. “The quality and safety of education for our children must be prioritized. We cannot afford to compromise on the standards that will shape the future of our state,” he said.
The Commissioner assured compliant schools of continued government support and urged the public to report any unregistered or substandard institutions within their communities. This, he said, would help maintain the integrity of education across Enugu.
Parents have expressed their satisfaction with the government’s effort to clean up the education sector. Arch Ezea Ugwu, an architect in Enugu, praised the government’s initiative, stating that it will help make the state’s education system among the best in Nigeria.
Mrs. Onyinye Onuigbo, whose children previously attended one of the non-compliant schools, revealed that she had withdrawn them after realizing the poor quality of education being offered. She also condemned those proprietors planning to protest the closures as “corrupt individuals trying to fight back.”
“We must resist those trying to exploit our children and the system,” Mrs. Onuigbo stated, expressing her full support for the government’s ongoing reforms.
