By George OPARA
Rivers state government has directed all private schools operating in the state without official approval to commence the process of regularization or cease operations.
Tochi Abinye Pepple, the
ministry’s Head, Information and Public Relations disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement made available to newsmen in PortHarcourt, capital of the state.
Spear News Nigeria gathered that the statement followed after the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor held stakeholders’ meeting with private school proprietors and administrators at the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Conference Hall, Rumuokwuta in the garden city.
While addressing the Stakeholders’, Dr. Nwagor, however, hailed private school operators for their contributions to the growth of education in State.
He also appreciated their role in complementing government efforts to provide accessible and quality education for all children.
The commissioner emphasized that education remains the foundation for sustainable development, economic prosperity, social stability, and national progress, noting that the administration of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara is committed to transforming the education sector through strategic reforms and improved infrastructure.
He added, “the growing number of educational institutions operating without approval and outside established regulatory guidelines is a matter of serious concern to the Ministry”.
He emphasized that compliance with statutory requirements is necessary to guarantee quality learning outcomes and protect the integrity of the education system.
Also, the ministry directed that schools operating below prescribed standards must urgently upgrade their facilities, personnel, and operational procedures to meet approved requirements or cease operations.
In his remarks, the Director, State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) Dr. Chinedu Wordu called on all proprietors especially those operating without formal approval to begin their approval process or risk being sanctioned.
Meanwhile, the Director Examination and Record Department, Mr. Gideon Uboh informed the proprietors that Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will start on the first of July 2026.
Spear News Nigeria gathered that the development is in tandem with the state government’s commitment to ensuring quality education and strict compliance with educational standards across the State.
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