Anambra Government Issues September Deadline for Unapproved Private Schools

State Threatens Closure of Non-Compliant Institutions

The Anambra State Government has issued a stern warning to all private schools operating without official approval, giving them until September to regularize their status or face closure.

Commissioner’s Warning to School Proprietors

Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh delivered the ultimatum during a stakeholders meeting in Awka on Thursday. She expressed frustration over the continued operation of unapproved schools despite repeated warnings and extended grace periods.

“There are still many private schools in the state that have yet to be approved,” Chuma-Udeh stated. “If by the beginning of first term these schools remain unapproved, we will close them down. That’s what the law stipulates, and we’ve given enough grace.”

Enforcement Challenges and Extortion Concerns

The commissioner revealed she had obtained special permission from Governor Chukwuma Soludo to extend the compliance deadline, but many proprietors continue to delay their applications.

During the meeting, some school owners raised concerns about individuals impersonating government officials to extort money. The commissioner pledged to investigate these allegations.

Scale of the Problem

Government data shows approximately 2,000 unaccredited private schools operating across Anambra’s 21 local government areas. Information Commissioner Sir Paul Nwosu called the situation unacceptable, noting Governor Soludo’s strong emphasis on education quality.

Government’s Quality Assurance Measures

• Unaccredited schools fail to meet state education standards
• Approved school lists will be distributed to local government education departments
• Recent enforcement includes closure of Upcoming Star International School in Awka

The September deadline follows recent enforcement actions, including the August 2024 closure of a school discovered to be operating without approval during a bullying investigation.