The Enugu government has ordered the immediate closure of all unapproved private primary and secondary schools.

The order is contained in a statement issued Tuesday by the education commissioner Uche Eze.

According to the commissioner, the directive is in response to the springing up of substandard private schools in the state.

The schools, the statement said, did not seek registration or obtain approval from the Ministry of Education, as required by law.

Mr Eze said the illegal schools were a source of concern to the government and stakeholders in the education sector in Enugu.

He noted that “without such registration and approval, the government cannot guarantee or assure the state of infrastructure or the quality of teaching and learning offered in such schools.”

The commissioner advised all the affected persons and schools to abide strictly by the directive.

“The state government shall, in two weeks from the date of this announcement, embark on forcible closure of any defaulting school, prosecute and punish any person or group of persons still flouting the directive,” Mr Eze explained.

Mr Eze also pointed out that the directive was pursuant to the powers conferred by the state’s education law and in its determination to secure the right of all children in the state to good and quality education.

He advised the promoters of private schools “to note that it is a criminal offence punishable upon conviction with imprisonment or fine or both for any person to establish or open such illegal schools.”

The commissioner urged the public to take note of the illegal operation of private schools in the state and be guided accordingly. 

(NAN)