By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Steve Odey, says the ongoing closure of illegal and substandard schools across the state is a deliberate effort to restore order, enforce standards, and ensure quality learning in the education sector.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, Prof. Odey explained that the decision followed the increasing number of unapproved schools established without meeting the state’s operational guidelines.
He said many of the affected schools lacked basic facilities, competent teaching personnel, and a safe learning environment for students.
Odey noted that the state’s benchmark requires schools to have standard classrooms, qualified teachers, a conducive environment for learning, and be located at reasonable distances from one another.
According to him, findings from recent inspections revealed widespread violations of these requirements.
“Our standards are clear. Schools should be at least three kilometers apart and must have the necessary learning facilities and qualified teachers,” he said. “However, what we observed during inspections showed clear disregard for these guidelines. Many of the schools were simply not fit to operate.”
Prof. Odey confirmed that the closure of 36 illegal schools across three local government areas received full authorization from the state government. The education commissioner described the exercise as part of a broader reform to restore credibility and strengthen quality control in both primary and secondary education.
He stated that the measure will help rebuild public trust in the school system and provide a stronger foundation for children’s academic development. “The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that students learn in a safe, regulated, and conducive environment,” he stressed.
So far, 16 schools have been shut down in the Calabar educational zone, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja. The commissioner added that the enforcement exercise will be extended to all 18 local government areas.
Prof. Odey urged parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting education standards in the state and ensuring that learning institutions operate within the law.