Cross River State Closes 20 Schools Lacking Approval

The Cross River State Government has closed 20 schools that were operating without the necessary approvals. This action affects four local government areas: Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, and Akamkpa.

Stephen Odey, the Commissioner for Education, announced the closures on Friday. He emphasized that these schools must not reopen without government permission. The state’s Ministry of Information and Orientation issued a statement on Saturday warning that school owners who ignore this order will face penalties.

Odey stated that this enforcement effort, led by the Department of Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education, shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that all schools comply with legal standards. The goal is to provide children with safe and properly monitored learning environments.

The government plans to expand this enforcement to all 18 local government areas in the state to ensure compliance with educational standards.

Among the schools that were closed are:

• In Calabar Municipality: Impact Group of Schools, Gospel Beacon Academy, and Divvy Bliss Schools.
• In Calabar South: Warriors Seed Academy, Children of Promise Christian School, Future Amazing International Schools Limited, Glad Tidings Academy, and Panorama International Schools.
• In Odukpani: De-Royal Academy School, Maria Assumpta Nursery/Primary School, Success Kids Nursery/Primary School, Delightsome International School, Sparkling Academy, Goodness Academy, and Joanleff Excellent Institute.
• In Akamkpa: Creative Brain International School, St. Luck’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hot Brain Academy, and Armour Christian International School.

The ministry is urging school owners to secure the necessary approvals before starting operations. They reiterated that failing to comply with these regulations will lead to sanctions.