Cross River State Government Seals Off 20 Unlicensed Learning Centres

In a decisive move to uphold educational standards and regulatory compliance, the Cross River State Government has sealed off twenty learning institutions found operating without official authorization across four local government areas. These institutions are situated within Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani, and Akamkpa local councils.

Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, made this announcement on Friday, issuing a stern caution that any school sealed for lacking proper approval must not resume operations without explicit clearance from the government. According to a statement released on Saturday by the state Ministry of Information and Orientation, Commissioner Odey further stated that school owners who defy the directive to remain closed would incur penalties.

The statement from the Ministry of Information and Orientation further clarified the government's stance, quoting, “The latest enforcement exercise, carried out by the Department of Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Education, underscores the government’s determination to ensure that all schools operate within the law and provide children with properly authorised and monitored learning environments.”

Odey indicated that this regulatory crackdown would be extended to all eighteen local government areas of the state. This comprehensive effort aims to guarantee that all schools adhere to established standards and offer pupils properly regulated and safe learning environments.

Specific schools affected in Calabar Municipality include Impact Group of Schools, Gospel Beacon Academy, and Divvy Bliss Schools. In Calabar South, the government shut down Warriors Seed Academy, Children of Promise Christian School, Future Amazing International Schools Limited, Glad Tidings Academy, and Panorama International Schools.

For Odukpani, the institutions affected are 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 were sealed.

The ministry strongly advised school proprietors to secure all necessary approvals before commencing operations, reiterating that non-compliance would result in sanctions. The government affirmed its commitment to sustaining monitoring and enforcement activities across Cross River State to ensure that all educational facilities operate strictly in accordance with regulatory requirements.