The Imo State Government has announced the immediate closure and revocation of licenses for all private schools operating illegally, particularly those situated in residential apartments and housing estates across the state.
This directive was made public in an official statement released by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor B. T. O. Ikegwuoha. The move is part of the government’s renewed commitment to sanitizing and regulating the education sector in Imo State.
According to the statement, the government has categorically withdrawn the approvals and operational licenses of all private schools currently functioning in residential buildings, regardless of whether they had prior authorization. Professor Ikegwuoha emphasized that these institutions, often embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose regulatory and safety concerns and are not in alignment with the state’s urban planning and educational zoning policies.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has, through this notification, revoked and withdrawn the approvals and licenses of all private schools presently housed and operating in residential apartments in Imo State,” the statement read.
Parents and guardians have been strongly urged to take immediate action by withdrawing their children and wards from these unapproved schools and re-enrolling them in schools that have met the necessary government standards, either public or duly accredited private institutions.
Furthermore, the directive extends to schools operating within Federal and Imo State Housing Estates, particularly those situated in locations not officially designated for educational use. These schools have also had their approvals revoked as part of the broader enforcement effort.
The government issued a stern warning that any school found flouting this directive would face severe consequences, including but not limited to the forced redistribution of their students to government-approved schools nearby.
“Proprietors of private schools in Imo State are hereby warned that non-compliance with this directive will attract punitive measures, which may include the immediate redistribution of their pupils and students to other approved schools,” the statement concluded.
To enforce the new policy, inspection and monitoring teams from the Universal Basic Education (UBSE) and the Quality Assurance (QA) departments of the ministry will begin field visits to affected locations to ensure strict compliance.
The government’s decision has sparked considerable discussion among education stakeholders, with calls emerging for clearer zoning laws and stronger institutional support for private education providers, many of whom operate in underserved communities.
