The Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Senator (Associate Professor) Stephen Odey, has shut down two illegal schools in Calabar South for not following the required regulations.
The schools closed are God’s Connection High School, located on Nelson Mandela Street near Bassey Duke, and Tdayspring Collegiate Stars on Egerton Street.
The Commissioner was joined by senior staff from the Ministry of Education, including the Director of Quality Assurance, Director of Safe Schools, Director of Special Duties, and the Education Secretary from Calabar South.
Before sealing the schools, he spoke to the students, reminding them that running a school is a serious responsibility and must meet certain standards.
He also said, “This action will continue. I will be touring the state to find all unapproved schools. School owners must get their Approval to Operate (ATO) from the ministry without delay.
“The current conditions in these schools are dangerous, as the children are being kept in cramped and unhealthy spaces.”
To ensure safety and order, the ministry will send Mobile Police officers to the schools. Parents are urged to keep their children away and consider enrolling them in government-run schools instead.
The owners and principals of the closed schools have been asked to visit the Ministry of Education for further instructions on how to legally operate a school.
