36 Suspected Illegal Schools Shutdown In Cross River

By Kelvin Ololo

The Government of Cross River State says 36 suspected illegal schools operating in the state have been shutdown.

The government disclosed this during an operation carried out by the State Taskforce on Illegal schools, inaugurated earlier this month by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey.

The taskforce began full-scale operations across the three zones of Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja, to sanitize the education sector and uphold quality learning standards.

According to information published on the official website of the Cross River State Ministry of Education, the closed institutions include 16 schools in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and 10 in Ogoja, all found to be operating without government approval.

In Calabar, the affected schools are: 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; Excellent Future Academy, Ikot Nkebre; Samfresh Lead Schools, 8 Miles, Ikot Ekpo; The Almighty Academy, Efa Oboh Street; De Palace Academy, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo; Divine Brains Academy, Nasarawa; Aunty Celia Nursery and Primary School, Etomkpe, Ikot Ekpo; and Gospel Nursery and Primary School, Esuk Otu.

In Ikom Local Government Area, the schools affected are: Alpha Noble Academy, by R&C Water Border Road; Cephas Faith Academy, Obaji Ogar Estate, Grassfield; Majesty Unique Academy, by R&C Water Border Road; Triumph Nursery/Primary School, Yawunde; Ideal Schools, Yawunde; Ark Salvation and Wisdom Schools, Edor; God’s Double Academy, College Road, Edor; Bendok Schools, Ikom/Ogoja Highway, Edor; Eden Academy, Border Road; Dominion Academy Secondary School, Nkarassi; and Stars Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ishiborr.

While in Ogoja LGA, the affected schools include: Redeemers Academy (Redeem Church), Igoli; Firmament Stars Secondary School, Njaman Abakpa; King Carries Multi-National High School, Ndok Junction; Light Bearers Academy Nursery/Primary and Secondary School; Satwo Nursery/Primary School, Ndok Junction; Faith Mission Academy, Ndok Junction; St. Peter Nursery/Primary School, Eshinjok; Wisdom Nursery/Primary School, Mbok; and Freedom Heritage Academy Nursery/Primary School, Njaman Abakpa.

During the enforcement exercise, the taskforce reaffirmed that the Ministry of Education will not compromise on educational standards, emphasizing that only schools duly approved by the government are authorized to operate.

The Ministry advised parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, adding that the enforcement exercise will continue across all 18 local government areas of the state.