Posted by Vanguard on
NO fewer than 25 educational institutions have been closed down on the orders of Imo State government, between November 29, 2004 and January 31, 2005.
OWERRI- NO fewer than 25 educational institutions have been closed down on the orders of Imo State government, between November 29, 2004 and January 31, 2005.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gloria Chukukere, told Vanguard in Owerri, that the exercise would continue until all substandard educational institutions were eliminated from the system. "Since November 29, 2004 and January 31, 2005, government has closed down no fewer than 25 schools which were being run illegally and without due approval from the Ministry of Education.
This exercise is on-going and we intend to continue until we completely eliminate substandard schools from the system", the Commissioner promised. After enumerating what it takes before government approves any institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukukere also said that the teaching staff of any such school must be qualified and the institution must provide adequate space for recreation of the students.
"We closed the schools because they were not duly certificated by government. The schools were closed because they do not have what it takes to run an educational institution. Our action is also a serious warning to those who are planning to establish schools without government approval, to retrace their locus", Chukukere said.
She was of the view that education is a fundamental step to the economic emancipation of any nation and her citizenry, stressing that government cannot compromise standards for whatever reasons. "If government allows the foundation to be faulty, the future of the nation and the children would be in serious jeopardy. No serious government would want to mortgage the future of her children", the Commissioner reasoned. She opined that having closed down the schools, government expects the parents and guardians of students of the affected institutions, to move their children and wards to the approved educational institutions.
Answering another question, Chukukere insisted that the affected schools were poorly staffed, as well as lack good accommodation for both the staff and students. "The accommodation provided by these proprietors for their students is inimical to the sound health of the children".