Akwa Ibom State Government has began the immediate closure of unregistered and illegal schools operating across the 31 local government areas of the state.
Commissioner for Education in the State, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, who gave the directive, frowned at the proliferation of illegal schools in the state, noting that they compromise the integrity, standards and the fidelity of the basic education system.
The Commissioner said the wanton violations of the criteria for establishing basic schools by emergency proprietors was antithetical to the solid education system that Governor Umo Eno was trying to build in line with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration.
He warned the task force team on closure of unregistered schools led by the Director of State Education in charge of Quality Assurance Service (QAS), Mrs. Esther Ekotumoh, against compromise.
Chairperson of the Taskforce, Mrs. Esther Ekotumoh, said the decision of the ministry on the issue was in line with the ARISE Agenda of the state governor , Pastor Umo Eno, which requires that every child in Akwa Ibom State deserves access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment among other premium policies geared towards the overall educational advancement.
“And the Ministry of Education remains committed to upholding standards in the operation of schools across the state,” Ekotumoh, assured.
The Ministry, therefore, urged parents and guardians to “withdraw their children from illegal and substandard learning environments and enroll them in properly accredited schools, to safeguard their future and educational development.
Source: Uko Sam, FRCN, Uyo
Why? The owners of these schools and the teachers are jobless should they go into crime? I believe the government supposed to close down schools that are not doing well by getting there with the taskforce to test the pupils directly by themselves and not to wake up one day bring tears to the eyes and families of many Akwa ibomites . What they are doing is illogical but not criminal. Pleaseeeeeee don’t close down schools in this state for most of these poor men especially in villages will be frustrated. You can stop them from having secondary school but pleaseeeee don’t do this