As part of efforts to strengthen quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the education sector, the Rivers State government has directed all private schools operating without approval to regularise their documents or cease operations.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, who gave the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting with private school proprietors, expressed concern over the increasing number of schools operating without official approval and outside established regulatory frameworks, describing the situation as a threat to qualitative learning and the integrity of the state’s education system.

He described the development as a direct threat to educational standards and to the integrity of the state’s education system.

According to the commissioner, adherence to government regulations is essential for ensuring quality learning outcomes, safeguarding the welfare of pupils and students, and maintaining public confidence in the education sector.

He, therefore, directed all proprietors whose schools have not received formal approval from the Ministry of Education to commence the regularisation process without further delay.

Nwagor also used the opportunity to address compliance issues related to already-approved schools. He urged proprietors owing renewal fees to settle all outstanding obligations promptly, warning that defaulting schools would face appropriate sanctions.

Similarly, Nwagor directed schools operating below prescribed standards to urgently upgrade their facilities. He said such schools must improve their infrastructure, teaching personnel, and operational procedures to meet the benchmarks set by the ministry.

He noted that the era of substandard facilities and poor learning environments would no longer be tolerated.

Nwagor described education as a critical driver of sustainable development, economic growth, social stability, and national advancement. He assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to implement policies and programmes to raise educational standards at all levels.

On his part, the Director of State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS), Dr Chinedu Wordu, echoing the commissioner’s directive, emphasised that adherence to regulatory standards is non-negotiable.

Wordu warned that operators who fail to comply with the directive risk sanctions from the ministry.

The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss compliance issues, quality assurance measures, and strategies for improving educational service delivery across Rivers State.