In a bold move to overhaul the education sector, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Donatus Illang, has revealed that over 88 proprietors and teachers have been arrested for operating and managing illegal and unapproved schools across the state. These institutions, which have been ordered to cease operations, were found to be functioning outside the newly established regulatory framework aimed at ensuring quality education. The commissioner made this announcement during a press briefing in Abakaliki, where he provided updates on the progress of the state government’s transformative education policy.
The arrests mark a significant step in the enforcement of the new policy, which seeks to standardize and elevate the quality of education in Ebonyi State. According to Illang, the clampdown on illegal schools is part of a broader strategy to safeguard the future of the state’s children by ensuring that only institutions meeting strict regulatory standards are allowed to operate. He emphasized that the ministry had gone to great lengths to engage with stakeholders, including school proprietors, teachers, and community leaders, to communicate the new rules and expectations.
“We have taken time to inform, educate, and explain the new regulations to all education stakeholders in the state,” Illang stated during the briefing. “These arrests were necessary to ensure total compliance with the new policy. Our goal is to establish a robust and qualitative education system that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of our children. We cannot afford to compromise on this.”
The commissioner highlighted that the arrests were not carried out arbitrarily. The ministry had conducted thorough investigations to identify schools operating without proper authorization or failing to meet the required standards. These institutions, often referred to as “mushroom schools,” have been criticized for providing substandard education, employing unqualified teachers, and operating in environments that do not meet basic safety and academic requirements. The closure of such schools, Illang noted, is a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the state’s education system.
Illang further explained that the new education policy is designed to address long-standing challenges in the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and inconsistent adherence to curriculum standards. By enforcing strict compliance, the government aims to create an environment where students can access quality education that prepares them for future challenges. “This is not about punishment,” he clarified. “It’s about ensuring that every child in Ebonyi State has access to an education system that is functional, competitive, and capable of producing well-rounded individuals.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mary Otozi, echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, issuing a stern warning to proprietors and teachers who continue to flout the regulations. She stated that the ministry would not hesitate to carry out further arrests if illegal operations persist. “We are resolute in our commitment to sanitizing the education sector,” Otozi declared. “Anyone who intends to open or run a school in Ebonyi State must do so with integrity and in full compliance with the new regulations. There will be no exceptions.”
Otozi stressed that the ministry is not opposed to private investment in education but insists that all schools, whether public or private, must adhere to the same standards of excellence. She urged prospective school operators to follow due process, which includes obtaining proper licensing, hiring qualified teachers, and maintaining facilities that meet the ministry’s guidelines. “We are not trying to discourage anyone from contributing to education,” she said. “What we are saying is that you must do it the right way. The future of our children is too important to be left in the hands of those who cut corners.”
The crackdown on illegal schools comes at a time when the Ebonyi State government, under the leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru, has made education reform a cornerstone of its development agenda. The administration has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to improving access to quality education as a means of empowering the youth and driving socioeconomic progress. The new policy, which was rolled out earlier this year, includes measures to enhance teacher training, upgrade school infrastructure, and ensure accountability in the management of educational institutions.
Illang underscored that the enforcement of the policy is not influenced by political connections or financial incentives. “It is not a matter of who you know in government or the connections you have,” he said. “It is not about how much money you can bring. What we are doing is ensuring that our children get the best education possible. We cannot afford to joke with their future.”
The commissioner also highlighted some of the achievements recorded since the implementation of the new policy. He noted that the ministry has conducted inspections across the state to assess the condition of schools and ensure compliance with the new standards. In addition to the closure of illegal schools, the ministry has introduced measures to support approved institutions, including training programs for teachers and subsidies for infrastructure development. These efforts, according to Illang, are already yielding positive results, with many schools showing improvements in academic performance and operational standards.
However, the arrests have sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While some have praised the government’s decisive action, others, particularly affected proprietors, have expressed concerns about the impact of the closures on their livelihoods. Some argue that the government should provide more support to help schools meet the required standards rather than resorting to outright closures. In response, Illang assured that the ministry is open to dialogue and willing to assist legitimate operators in navigating the regulatory process. “Our doors are open,” he said. “We are ready to work with anyone who is committed to providing quality education within the framework of the law.”
The ministry has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate parents and guardians about the importance of enrolling their children in approved schools. Otozi emphasized that parents have a critical role to play in ensuring that their children receive quality education. “We urge parents to verify the status of any school before enrolling their children,” she said. “By choosing approved institutions, you are helping us build a stronger education system for the benefit of all.”
Looking ahead, the Ebonyi State government plans to intensify its efforts to monitor and regulate the education sector. Illang revealed that a task force has been established to conduct regular inspections and ensure ongoing compliance with the new policy. The task force, he said, will work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down illegal schools while supporting legitimate operators in meeting the required standards.
The clampdown on illegal schools is part of a broader vision to position Ebonyi State as a hub for quality education in Nigeria. By raising the bar for academic institutions, the government hopes to produce graduates who are competitive on a national and global scale. “We are determined to ensure a qualitative education system in the state,” Illang reiterated. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our schools are of high standards. This is our commitment to the people of Ebonyi State and the future of our children.”
As the state continues its aggressive push for education reform, the arrests of proprietors and teachers serve as a clear message that the government is serious about transforming the sector. While challenges remain, including the need for increased funding and capacity building, the resolve of the Ebonyi State government to prioritize education is evident. For now, the focus remains on enforcing compliance, supporting legitimate institutions, and ensuring that every child in the state has access to the quality education they deserve.
