Cross River State Government has shut down 20 more illegal schools operating without Approval to Operate (ATO) in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani and Akamkpa Local Government Areas.

The enforcement was carried out by Department of Quality Assurance in Ministry of Education as part of ongoing crackdown on unapproved operators.

Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, said Friday that any school shut down must not reopen without official authorisation, warning that proprietors who defy closure order will face sanctions.

Odey said government will not compromise future of children by allowing unapproved schools to operate unchecked, adding that exercise will be extended to all 18 LGAs.

He said the exercise aims at safeguarding pupils, upholding standards and ensuring schools meet regulatory requirements.

In Calabar Municipality, affected schools are Impact Group of Schools, 112 Atamunu; Gospel Beacon Academy, 25 Etonko Street; and Divvy Bliss Schools, 71/73 Eta Agbor, opposite MTN office.

In Calabar South, closed schools are Warriors Seed Academy, 8 Engo Street, off New Airport; Children of Promise Christian School, 4 Ekong Lane, off New Airport; Future Amazing International Schools Limited, 21 Amika Utuk, off Goldie; Glad Tidings Academy, 15 Ene Ita Street; and Panorama International Schools, 10 Jebs Layout.

In Odukpani LGA, affected institutions are De-Royal Academy School, Esine Ufot, Adiabo; Maria Assumpta Nursery/Primary School, Esine Ufot; Success Kids Nursery/Primary School, Esine Ufot, Adiabo; Delightsome International School, Akim-Akim; Sparkling Academy, Akim-Akim, Qua Clan; Goodness Academy, Ayuk Aba, Akim-Akim; and Joanleff Excellent Institute, Old Pamol Clinic, Akim-Akim Road.

In Akamkpa LGA, five schools shut are Creative Brain International School, Abi Mfam Camp 2; St. Luck’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Ndingane; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aningeje; Hot Brain Academy, Abiati; and Armour Christian International School, Abiati Road.

The ministry urged proprietors to comply with regulations and obtain necessary approval before commencing operations.

The government pledged to sustain monitoring and enforcement across 18 LGAs to eliminate illegal schools and protect integrity of education system.