Government warns school proprietors against reopening without authorisation as enforcement expands across the state.
The Cross River State Government has shut down 20 schools operating without the required approval to operate, as part of an ongoing drive to enforce education regulations and strengthen oversight of schools across the state.
The affected institutions are located in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani and Akamkpa local government areas, according to the state government
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Department of Quality Assurance in the state Ministry of Education.
Government Warns Schools Against Reopening
Commissioner for Education Stephen Odey said schools closed for operating without the necessary approval must not reopen until they receive official authorisation.
He warned that proprietors who violate the closure order would face sanctions.
The state government said the exercise was intended to ensure that educational institutions meet the requirements for legal operation and provide learning environments subject to appropriate regulatory oversight.
Four Local Government Areas Affected
The latest operation covered four local government areas:
- Calabar Municipality: Three schools were shut.
- Calabar South: Five schools were affected.
- Odukpani: Seven schools were shut.
- Akamkpa: Five schools were affected.
The government has also said the enforcement campaign will extend to all 18 local government areas in Cross River State.
What Parents and School Operators Should Know
The closures raise practical concerns for families whose children attend affected institutions, particularly regarding school transfers, continuity of learning and access to academic records.
Parents should contact the Cross River State Ministry of Education for guidance on approved alternatives and any arrangements for affected pupils.
School proprietors, meanwhile, should verify their Approval to Operate status and ensure they meet the applicable state requirements before admitting students or resuming classes.
The government has not indicated in the cited report that all affected schools will be permanently closed. Reopening will depend on official authorisation and compliance with the relevant requirements.
Enforcement Expected to Continue
The latest closures form part of a wider state effort to identify and address unapproved school operations. Earlier enforcement actions were also reported in October, suggesting that the government is carrying out a continuing compliance exercise rather than a single isolated operation.
The effectiveness of the exercise will depend not only on enforcement but also on clear communication with families, fair procedures for school operators and practical measures to prevent disruption to children’s education.
OnPointGist will continue to follow the enforcement campaign and report further official updates, including any guidance for affected parents and schools.
