The Ebonyi State government has intensified its clampdown on substandard education, arresting 88 school proprietors and teachers for operating illegal and unapproved schools across the state.
The arrests followed a statewide inspection exercise by the Ministry of Education, which uncovered several schools running without accreditation. Many of the institutions were found to lack qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and approved curricula, leading authorities to order their immediate closure.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr Donatus Illang, said the action was taken to protect the future of children in the state.
“We cannot compromise the future of our children,” Illang said. “These schools pose a grave danger to the education system because they fail to meet the minimum requirements for learning.”
He explained that those arrested are currently under investigation, with legal action expected to follow. The commissioner also warned proprietors still flouting government regulations that similar sanctions await them if they fail to comply.
Illang advised parents to verify the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children and urged communities to report any suspected illegal learning centres.
To strengthen the education system, the commissioner noted that the state government has rolled out support measures, including teacher training and infrastructure assistance, to help genuine schools meet compliance standards.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Illang said: “Every child in Ebonyi deserves access to quality education in a safe and well-regulated environment.”
