The Rivers State Government has announced plans to commence the closure of all unapproved private schools operating across the state from June 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen educational standards and enforce compliance with regulatory requirements.
The move, according to education authorities, is aimed at sanitising the private education sector, protecting students from substandard learning environments, and ensuring that all schools meet the minimum operational standards prescribed by the government.
State officials said the decision followed repeated warnings to proprietors of unregistered schools to regularise their operations and obtain the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
The Rivers State Ministry of Education noted that several private schools have continued to operate without official approval, raising concerns over the quality of education being offered, the safety of learning facilities, and adherence to established academic guidelines.
Authorities said inspections conducted across parts of the state revealed that some schools lacked qualified teachers, adequate infrastructure, and proper learning materials required to provide quality education.
The government stressed that allowing such institutions to continue operating would undermine efforts to improve educational outcomes and maintain standards within the sector.
Officials disclosed that enforcement teams would begin monitoring and shutting down non-compliant schools from June 15, warning that proprietors who fail to comply with regulations risk sanctions, including closure of their facilities.
The state government urged parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, emphasizing that students should not be exposed to institutions operating outside the legal framework.
School owners who have not completed the registration process were advised to immediately engage with the Ministry of Education and fulfil all outstanding requirements to avoid disruption of their operations.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among education stakeholders.
While many parents and education advocates welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step toward improving educational standards, some private school operators expressed concerns about the impact of the closures on students and staff.
Education experts, however, argued that stricter regulation is essential to maintaining quality assurance and protecting learners from institutions that fail to meet minimum requirements.
The Rivers State Government reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring that schools across the state operate in line with approved standards.
Officials maintained that the exercise is not intended to punish legitimate school owners but to promote accountability, enhance learning conditions, and ensure that every child receives quality education in a safe and conducive environment.
The planned enforcement is part of broader efforts by the state government to reform the education sector, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen oversight of both public and private educational institutions.
As the June 15 deadline approaches, education authorities have urged affected school proprietors to take immediate steps toward compliance, warning that the government remains determined to enforce its regulations in the interest of students and the future of education in Rivers State.
