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The Imo State Government has moved to clamp down on illegal schools operating within its territory, ordering their immediate closure and revoking their licenses.
In a directive released by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, on Monday, authorities announced that schools situated within Federal and Imo State Housing Estates not originally designated for educational purposes have been affected by the decision.
The government further withdrew approvals granted to private institutions operating out of residential apartments, regardless of whether such approvals were previously valid.
According to the statement, this decisive action is part of wider efforts by the state administration to restore order and uphold standards within the education sector.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has by this notification revoked and withdrawn the approval and licenses of private schools that are presently housed and operating in apartments in Imo State,” the statement read.
The statement further called on parents and guardians to withdraw their children and wards from such illegal schools and re¬-register them in duly approved private or public schools.
The Imo State Government has issued a stern warning to owners of private schools operating outside approved regulations, stating that any defiance of its closure directive will attract severe penalties.
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According to the statement released on Monday, school proprietors risk having their students redistributed to neighbouring accredited schools if they fail to comply.
“The government will not hesitate to enforce strict sanctions, including relocating pupils and students of such institutions to other approved schools,” the ministry stated.
To enforce this policy, inspection teams from the Universal Basic Education Board and the Quality Assurance Department are set to embark on monitoring visits to identify and shut down schools flouting the order.
This crackdown has sparked widespread reactions among education stakeholders in the state, with many urging the government to clarify zoning rules and extend greater support to private school operators who fill critical gaps in the sector.
