The Anambra State Government has issued a firm ultimatum to private schools operating without official approval: get authorised by September or face closure.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka on Thursday, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said the state had extended multiple grace periods, but many school owners continue to ignore the directive.
“There are still many private schools in the state that have yet to be approved,” she said. “Even though I sought the governor’s permission to extend the deadline and held back the task force, proprietors are still delaying.”
According to Chuma-Udeh, the grace period initially given by the Anambra State Governor to allow non-compliant schools time to register has expired, and further delays will not be tolerated.
“If by the beginning of the first term these schools remain unapproved, we will shut them down. That is what the law stipulates, and we have given enough grace,” she warned.
Concerns Over Fake Officials
During the meeting, some school proprietors raised concerns about impostors posing as government officials, allegedly visiting schools to extort money under the guise of registration enforcement.
Chuma-Udeh acknowledged the complaints and assured school owners that the ministry would investigate and take necessary action.
Operating a school without government approval poses risks to students, teachers, and the education system at large. The state’s crackdown is aimed at ensuring quality education, regulatory compliance, and the safety of pupils.
With the September deadline fast approaching, the message is clear: Get registered or get shut down.
