Running a private school without government approval may soon become impossible in Rivers State as authorities move to tighten regulation and improve education standards.
The Rivers State Government has directed all private schools operating without official approval to regularise their documents or cease operations, warning that institutions failing to comply with established standards risk sanctions.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, issued the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting with private school proprietors, expressing concern over the growing number of schools operating outside the state’s regulatory framework.
He described the trend as a threat to quality education and the integrity of Rivers State’s education system.
According to Nwagor, compliance with government regulations is essential to ensuring quality learning outcomes, protecting the welfare of pupils and students, and maintaining public confidence in the education sector.
He therefore directed all proprietors whose schools have not received formal approval from the Ministry of Education to begin the regularisation process without further delay.
The commissioner also addressed compliance issues involving already-approved schools, urging proprietors with outstanding renewal fees to settle their obligations promptly. He warned that defaulting schools would face appropriate sanctions.
Nwagor further directed schools operating below prescribed standards to upgrade their facilities, teaching personnel and operational procedures to meet the benchmarks set by the ministry.
He stressed that substandard facilities and poor learning environments would no longer be tolerated.
Describing education as a critical driver of sustainable development, economic growth and social stability, Nwagor assured stakeholders that the state government would continue implementing policies aimed at improving educational standards across all levels.
Also speaking, the Director of State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS), Dr. Chinedu Wordu, reiterated that compliance with regulatory standards is non-negotiable.
He warned that operators who fail to comply with the government’s directive would face sanctions.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for private school proprietors and education officials to discuss regulatory compliance, quality assurance and strategies for improving educational service delivery across Rivers State.
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