The Imo State Government has announced the immediate closure of schools operating in unauthorized residential areas, revoking their approvals and licenses.

The directive, issued by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, targets private schools situated in apartments and housing estates not designated for educational purposes.

According to the statement made available on Monday, the move is part of a broader effort to reorganise and improve the education sector across the state.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has by this notification revoked and withdrawn the approval and licenses of private schools that are presently housed and operating in apartments in Imo State,” the statement read.

Professor Ikegwuoha urged parents and guardians to withdraw their children and wards from affected institutions and register them in public or duly approved private schools. He warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in government-sanctioned redistribution of students to nearby approved schools.

“Proprietors of private schools in Imo State should note that failure to comply with the conditions outlined in this notice will result in punitive sanctions, including but not limited to immediate distribution of their pupils and students to nearby schools,” he said.

Monitoring and inspection teams from the Universal Basic Education and Quality Assurance departments of the ministry are expected to begin enforcement visits across the state.

The enforcement has drawn mixed reactions from education stakeholders, with calls for clearer zoning guidelines and more institutional support for private school operators affected by the directive.