Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced a sweeping clampdown on unauthorized and substandard private schools across the state.

The decisive move, according to Ministry of Education, aims at protecting children’s education and align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on quality education.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, who led a high-powered team of ministry officials on an enforcement exercise on Wednesday, sealed off several schools operating without the Ministry’s “Authority To Operate” (ATO).

Prof. Umoh, during the unscheduled visit to the affected schools condemned the alarming trend of converting makeshift structures, abandoned buildings, and even septic tank sites into learning environments.

He described the situation as “deeply troubling,” citing cases where multiple classes shared a single blackboard in overcrowded and unhygienic space.

The Commissioner also faulted proprietors who, despite being licensed for nursery education only, unlawfully expanded into primary and secondary school operations without approval.

He warned proprietors to regularize their documentation immediately, stressing that, the Ministry will sustain its state-wide enforcement drive in the new school year.

He strongly advised parents not to enroll their children in any school not duly licensed by the Ministry.

Among schools shut down during the operation were: Gracious Steps Royal Academy, Toppers Academy, Houston International Schools, Purple Hills Schools, Sparkling Height Schools, Beloved Child of God International School, Glorious Future Academy, Spring Success International School, and Marcus Garvey Drillers Foundation Schools, among others.

According to the Ministry, the exercise is aimed at raising the bar in private education, and ensuring Akwa Ibom children receive safe, standard, and quality learning.