Cross River State shuts down unapproved schools

The Cross River State government has shut down dozens of schools operating without the required ‘Approval To Operate’ (ATO) across several local government areas. The enforcement action, led by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Quality Assurance, targeted institutions in Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani, Yakurr, and Akamkpa.

Commissioner for Education Professor Stephen Odey stated that the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to sanitize the education sector and ensure all learning environments meet established safety and regulatory standards. He emphasized that the goal is not to target proprietors but to ensure compliance with minimal requirements for managing educational institutions.

Odey warned that any school sealed by the government that attempts to reopen without official authorization will face sanctions. The enforcement exercise is expected to expand across all 18 local government areas in the state to ensure full compliance with state regulations.