The Rivers State Government has announced plans to begin a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at shutting down unapproved private schools operating across the state.
The exercise, which will commence on June 15, 2026, was disclosed in a public notice issued by the State Ministry of Education.
According to the ministry, the enforcement drive will target private schools operating without registration and approval from the government, as well as approved schools that have failed to meet their financial obligations to the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwaogor, urged proprietors of affected schools to regularise their operations and settle all outstanding fees before the commencement of the exercise.
He warned that schools operating without official approval or failing to meet the prescribed educational standards would be shut down in line with the Rivers State Private Schools Law and other relevant regulations.
“The Rivers State Ministry of Education, through the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS), wishes to inform all private school proprietors and the general public that a statewide enforcement exercise on the closure of unapproved private schools will commence on Monday, June 15, 2026,” the notice stated.
The commissioner also directed approved private schools with outstanding annual renewal fees to immediately clear all arrears, stressing that only institutions with valid approval certificates and up-to-date payment records would be permitted to continue operations.
Nwaogor advised proprietors seeking further clarification on the exercise to contact the appropriate authorities within the ministry.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) to maintaining educational standards, ensuring compliance with regulations, and safeguarding the welfare and future of children in Rivers State.
