The Rivers State Government has announced plans to shut down all unapproved private schools operating across the state as part of efforts to strengthen quality assurance and ensure compliance with educational standards.

The enforcement exercise, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 15, 2026, will target private schools operating without registration and official approval from the Ministry of Education, as well as institutions that fail to meet prescribed educational requirements.

The announcement was contained in a public notice signed by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, on Wednesday.

According to the commissioner, the exercise is aimed at safeguarding the quality of education provided to children in the state and ensuring that schools operate in safe and conducive learning environments.

Dr. Nwagor stated that the planned action is in line with the provisions of the Rivers State Private Schools Law and other relevant regulations governing the establishment and operation of private educational institutions.

He stressed that any school found operating without government approval would be closed, adding that the ministry would no longer tolerate practices that compromise educational standards and the welfare of pupils.

“The enforcement exercise is intended to ensure that children in Rivers State receive quality education in safe and conducive learning environments,” the commissioner said.

He also directed proprietors of approved private schools who have outstanding annual renewal fees to immediately settle all arrears, warning that only schools with valid approval certificates and up-to-date payment records would be permitted to continue operations.

The commissioner noted that the government’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards in the education sector and promoting excellence in private school administration across the state.

Also, education stakeholders have long expressed concerns over the proliferation of unregistered private schools, many of which operate in unsuitable facilities and employ unqualified personnel, raising fears about the quality of learning being offered to pupils.

Dr. Nwagor said the crackdown would help protect the future of children by ensuring that all schools meet minimum standards for infrastructure, staffing and academic delivery.

He urged school proprietors seeking clarification or assistance regarding the approval process to visit the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) office located at Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS), Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt.

The commissioner also advised affected proprietors to liaise with the Director of SEQAS, Dr. Chinedu Wordu, for further guidance.

The Ministry of Education assured residents that the exercise forms part of ongoing reforms by the Rivers State Government aimed at improving the quality of education and enforcing best practices in school administration throughout the state.