By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Government has arrested no fewer than 88 proprietors and teachers for operating unapproved and illegal schools across the state.

The arrests followed an intensive inspection exercise by the Ministry of Education, which uncovered several substandard institutions lacking accreditation and failing to meet required regulatory standards. The schools have since been ordered to shut down with immediate effect.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, the state Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Mr. Donatus Illang, said the move was part of the state government’s resolve to guarantee quality education and protect pupils from poorly managed institutions.

“We cannot compromise the future of our children,” Illang declared. “These illegal schools lack qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and approved curricula, thereby posing a great danger to the education system.”

The commissioner explained that proprietors and teachers arrested are undergoing investigation, with possible legal actions to follow. He further warned that any school yet to comply with state regulations risks facing similar sanctions.

Illang also appealed to parents to always confirm the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children, while urging communities to report suspected illegal institutions to the authorities.

Meanwhile, the state government has rolled out measures to assist legitimate schools in meeting compliance requirements, including teacher training and infrastructure support.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving educational standards, stressing that every child in Ebonyi deserves access to quality and safe learning environments.