The full gist
The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education has issued a directive giving all unapproved and unauthorized private schools in the state until August 31, 2026 to regularize their operations or face closure.
In a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, the ministry expressed concern over the growing number of private schools operating without approval, saying this conflicts with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Pastor Umo Eno's administration, which is focused on ensuring every child in the state has access to quality education in safe, standard, and approved learning environments.
The ministry outlined three key directives:
1. All schools currently operating without ministry approval must regularize their status by August 31, 2026.
2. Any school that fails to do so by September 1, 2026 will be shut down, sealed, and its operators prosecuted in accordance with the law.
3. Parents and guardians are urged to enroll their children only in government-approved schools, with lists of authorized institutions available at the Ministry of Education.
The ministry can be reached at Block 10 Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, or via phone at 08022227164, and online at akwaibomstate.gov.ng.