In a bold and far-reaching move to sanitize its education system, the Ebonyi State Government has launched a major crackdown on illegal and unapproved schools operating within the state. The operation, which was coordinated by the Ministry of Education, led to the arrest of 88 school proprietors and teachers found culpable of running unregistered and substandard schools across different local government areas.
This development, announced by the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Dr. Donatus Illang, marks one of the most decisive actions yet by the Ebonyi State Government in its ongoing campaign to restore order, quality, and accountability in the education sector.
Government’s Operation to Restore Standards
According to official reports, the arrests were made following a comprehensive inspection exercise carried out by the state’s education monitoring team. The team discovered a growing number of schools operating without proper approval, licenses, or qualified teachers. Some of these institutions were reportedly found in makeshift structures, lacking essential learning facilities, and using outdated or unapproved curricula.
Dr. Illang emphasized that the exercise was not merely punitive but also corrective. He stated that the government could no longer allow unregulated schools to jeopardize the future of children in the state.
“We are determined to protect the integrity of education in Ebonyi. These illegal schools have been shortchanging parents, endangering children, and tarnishing the image of our education system. We must draw a line between genuine educational institutions and profit-driven centers that disregard quality and standards,” he declared.
Arrests and Closures Across the State
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the arrests affected individuals from both urban and rural parts of Ebonyi State. Many of the proprietors were found running schools in residential buildings, uncompleted structures, or environments unfit for learning.
Security agencies, in collaboration with education officials, sealed off several of the illegal schools immediately after the arrests. Those detained are currently facing investigations, and the ministry has vowed to pursue legal action to serve as a deterrent to others who might still be operating unlawfully.
“The state will not tolerate any institution operating outside the approved regulatory framework. Anyone caught will be prosecuted according to the laws governing education in Ebonyi State,” the Commissioner warned.
Common Violations Found During the Inspection
The inspection team’s report detailed several alarming findings that underscored the extent of non-compliance in the affected schools. These included:
- Lack of accreditation from the Ministry of Education.
- Employment of unqualified teachers without proper certification.
- Use of unsafe and unconducive learning environments.
- Absence of approved curricula and teaching materials.
- Failure to comply with basic health, safety, and structural standards.
These infractions, according to the government, are a major reason why many pupils in unregistered schools perform poorly in external examinations and national assessments.
Government’s Next Steps
Dr. Illang disclosed that the state government will not stop at arrests but will intensify continuous monitoring and evaluation of schools across all local governments. The Ministry of Education also plans to create an updated register of all approved schools in the state, which will be made publicly accessible for transparency.
Furthermore, the government announced that it will support compliant schools by offering teacher training programs, capacity-building workshops, and technical assistance to help them meet operational standards.
“This is not about persecution; it is about reform,” the Commissioner said. “We want to ensure that every school in Ebonyi meets the basic requirements for providing quality education. The future of our children depends on it.”
Parents and Communities Urged to Be Vigilant
The Ebonyi State Government has also called on parents and guardians to take personal responsibility by verifying the accreditation status of any school before enrolling their children. The Commissioner stressed that many parents unknowingly patronize illegal schools because of cheaper fees, not realizing the long-term academic harm it causes to their children.
He also encouraged communities to report suspicious or unapproved schools to local education offices for immediate investigation and action.
“Education is a shared responsibility. Government, parents, and the community must work together to eradicate illegal schools. We must all protect the future of our children,” Dr. Illang added.
Public Reactions
The news of the crackdown has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Ebonyi State. While many have commended the government for taking decisive action, others have called for a more gradual reform process that gives non-compliant schools a chance to meet the required standards before facing closure.
Some parents expressed concerns about the temporary disruption the closure might cause, especially in communities where government schools are limited. However, education experts and stakeholders across the state largely agreed that the move was necessary to uphold educational integrity and safeguard children from exploitative and unsafe learning environments.
A Step Toward Quality Education in Ebonyi State
The recent crackdown underscores Ebonyi State’s growing commitment to reforming its education system and aligning it with national standards. With continuous monitoring, strict enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration, the state government hopes to ensure that every child in Ebonyi receives a quality education in a safe and approved environment.
As the legal processes unfold against those arrested, the Ministry of Education has reiterated its stance that it will leave no room for compromise. The crackdown, according to the Commissioner, is just the beginning of a broader effort to sanitize the education sector and rebuild public confidence in the state’s schools.
Conclusion
The arrest of 88 school proprietors and teachers in Ebonyi State sends a strong message to all education stakeholders: the era of unregulated and illegal schools is coming to an end. The government’s firm stance demonstrates its determination to protect students’ academic futures and promote excellence across all levels of learning.
The Ebonyi State Ministry of Education continues to advise parents, teachers, and school owners to work hand-in-hand with the government in building a more credible, reliable, and globally competitive education system — one that truly prepares the next generation for success.
