In a significant move to uphold educational regulations, the Cross River State Government has closed 20 schools that were operating without the necessary approvals. This action affects four local government areas, namely Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, and Akamkpa.

The enforcement was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, who emphasized the importance of compliance with educational standards. He stated that schools that have been closed must not reopen until they receive proper authorization from the government. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all educational institutions in the state adhere to established guidelines, thereby providing students with safe and regulated learning environments.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Odey highlighted the role of the Department of Quality Assurance in carrying out this enforcement exercise. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that all schools operate within the law. "The latest enforcement exercise underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all schools operate within the law and provide children with properly authorised and monitored learning environments," the statement noted.

The affected schools include several institutions across the local government areas. In Calabar Municipality, schools such as Impact Group of Schools, Gospel Beacon Academy, and Divvy Bliss Schools were shut down. In Calabar South, the closures affected Warriors Seed Academy, Children of Promise Christian School, and Glad Tidings Academy, among others.

Odukpani saw the closure of schools like De-Royal Academy School and Maria Assumpta Nursery/Primary School, while in Akamkpa, institutions including Creative Brain International School and St. Luck’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School were also impacted.

The Ministry of Education has urged school proprietors to ensure they obtain the necessary approvals before commencing operations. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in sanctions against those who violate the closure order. The government plans to extend its enforcement activities to all 18 local government areas in Cross River to ensure comprehensive compliance with educational standards.

As the state government intensifies its monitoring efforts, it aims to create a more regulated educational landscape that prioritizes the welfare and safety of students across Cross River State.