The Imo State Government has announced the immediate closure of illegal schools operating within the state and revoked their licenses, particularly targeting institutions located in areas not designated for educational purposes.
This directive was issued in a statement released on Monday by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha.
According to the statement, the affected schools include those operating in residential buildings, especially within Federal or Imo State Housing Estates. The government clarified that the revocation applies regardless of whether such schools had previously received approval.
“This move is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize the education sector in Imo State,” the commissioner stated.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has, by this notice, revoked and withdrawn the approval and licenses of private schools currently operating in apartments or residential buildings.”
Parents and guardians have been advised to immediately withdraw their children from these illegal schools and re-enroll them in approved private or public institutions.
The government also warned proprietors of affected schools that failure to comply with the directive would result in strict penalties, including the immediate redistribution of their students to nearby authorized schools.
“To ensure full compliance, monitoring and inspection teams from the Universal Basic Education and Quality Assurance departments will begin enforcement visits,” the statement added.
The decision has sparked reactions from education stakeholders, some of whom are calling for clearer zoning regulations and more support for private school operators.