Cross River Government Shuts Down 33 Illegal Schools in Statewide Education Reform Drive
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Cross River Government Closes 33 Illegal Schools to Enforce Education Standards | Akahi News
Crackdown on Unapproved Schools Gains Momentum
According to a report by Augustine Odey’s Blog, the Cross River State Government has intensified its ongoing education sector reform by shutting down 33 illegal and unapproved schools operating across the state.
The move, supervised by the State Ministry of Education, aims to eliminate substandard institutions and ensure that only schools with proper accreditation deliver education to pupils and students in the state.
Akahi News gathered that the government described the exercise as part of a broader strategy to sanitise the school system, restore academic integrity, and enhance the learning environment for children.
Full List of Closed Schools
In Calabar and Odukpani LGAs:
- Smart Sharunbella Academy, 1B Nyong Agbor Street, Calabar
- Christ Infant Nursery/Primary School, Odukpani Qua Town
- Grace of God Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
- Treasure Child Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
In Akamkpa LGA:
5. Blissful Life Christian Schools, Mbarakom Road, Awi, Akamkpa
6. Holy Choice International Academy, Awi Mbarakom Road, Akamkpa
7. Divine Partaker International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
8. Right Time Schools, Awi, Akamkpa
9. King Solomon International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
10. Bright Future Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
11. Major International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
12. Malcom Child Future Academy, Mbarakom II, Akamkpa
13. Life Foundation Nursery/Primary School, Isong Inyang
14. Briforth International Secondary School, Old Okomita, Akamkpa
15. Foundational Builders Nursery/Primary School, Okana
16. U.E.C. Nursery/Primary School, Ohana
In Iyamoyong and Obubra LGAs:
17. Leading Stars & World Changers Nursery/Primary School, Iyamoyong
18. Echimachia Worowor Secondary School, Ovonum
19. John Calvin Comprehensive Secondary School, Obubra Station
20. Echimachia Worowor Nursery/Primary School, Ovonum
21. Divine Kids Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
22. Perfect God Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
23. Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Oderega
In Obudu LGA:
24. Chrisbrown Nursery/Primary School, Ukpada, Obudu
25. Fidel Nursery/Primary/Secondary School, Mgbenege
26. God Plan Nursery/Primary School, Nkerira, Utugwang
27. Givicks International Academy, Kikong, Obudu
28. Bright Light International Nursery/Primary School, Bebuagbong
29. Jully Fidelity Nursery/Primary School, Atiekpe, Obudu
30. Seat of Wisdom Academy, Bekpam, Obudu
31. Maria Faustina Secondary School, Bekpam, Obudu
32. Crystal Beacon Secondary School, Bishiri Road, Obudu
33. Fortress Home International Schools, Ranch Road, Obudu
Government’s Position
In a statement obtained by Akahi News, the Commissioner for Education reaffirmed that the crackdown would continue until all unapproved schools are completely phased out.
He explained that the closures are part of a long-term plan to improve the standard of education, ensure compliance with operational guidelines, and protect pupils from unqualified institutions.
According to Akahi News sources within the ministry, over 133 illegal schools have already been sealed in just four days since the exercise began. The commissioner added that only schools with a valid Approval to Operate (ATO) and adequate facilities will be allowed to function.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Stakeholders in the education sector have reacted positively, praising the government for its bold action. Some parents, however, called for leniency towards genuine proprietors who might be struggling to meet regulatory requirements.
An education analyst who spoke to Akahi News noted that the move could signal “a new era of accountability and quality in the state’s learning system,” while urging the government to ensure transparency in the re-accreditation process.
Way Forward
The Cross River State Ministry of Education has pledged to sustain routine inspections, expand monitoring teams across all local governments, and collaborate with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to strengthen regulatory compliance.
Akahi News understands that the exercise aligns with the state’s commitment to meet the National Minimum Standards for Education, ensuring that every child in Cross River receives quality and safe learning experiences.
The ministry also issued a stern warning to school proprietors operating without approval to immediately regularise their institutions or face permanent closure and prosecution.
This latest phase of school closures reflects the government’s determination to uphold educational integrity and eliminate quack institutions across the state.
Akahi News will continue to provide verified reports on the ongoing crackdown, including updates on newly sanctioned schools and the next steps from the Ministry of Education.
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