The Delta State Government has announced plans to close down all unapproved nursery and primary schools across the state as part of efforts to regulate private sector involvement in primary education.
This decision was made public in a special government announcement signed by Theresa Adiabua Oliko, the Director of Public Communication and Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information. The statement was issued to journalists in Warri on Thursday.
The government has given owners of unapproved primary schools a 21-day deadline to upgrade their facilities and formalize their status with the Ministry of Primary Education, or they will face closure.
The announcement stated, “In line with its responsibility to regulate private sector participation in the primary education sector, the Delta State Government is giving a 21-day ultimatum to all unapproved private nursery and primary schools to improve their infrastructure and register with the Ministry of Primary Education immediately. Failure to comply will result in severe sanctions, including the closure of these schools.”
The government emphasized that this move is necessary due to the rise in unapproved schools with inadequate infrastructure, unqualified teachers, and unhealthy learning environments, which have raised concerns for the state.