The Imo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate closure of unlicensed private primary and secondary schools in the state.
The house made the call following a motion sponsored by Mr Obinna Egu (Ngor-Okpala), urging the state Ministry of Education to shut down all unapproved schools in the state.
While presenting the motion, Egu said that unapproved private primary and secondary schools refer to educational institutions that do not meet the standards or requirements set by the relevant government authorities or accrediting agencies.
He added that such schools may lack proper certification, licencing or adherence to curriculum guidelines, which can impact the quality of education provided to Imo students.
He also noted that according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Imo ranks as the most educated state in Nigeria with a literacy rate of 96.48%.
The lawmaker added that the state cannot afford to allow unapproved private primary and secondary schools to carry out educational activities to forestall lowering the standards of the state’s education sector.
He therefore called on the House to urge the Ministry of Education to shut down all unapproved private primary and secondary schools with immediate effect to maintain a high standard of education.
Supporting the motion, the Mbaitoli representative, Mr Innocent Ikpamezie agreed that it was necessary to regulate the education sector in the state.
He added that unapproved schools often employ unqualified teachers who go on to churn out students who do not measure up.
Also in favour, Mr Ugochukwu Amuchie (Aboh Mbaise) noted that the primary and secondary school aged children are in their formative years and as such should receive the best quality of education.
He said this should be the basis for the approval of schools to ensure quacks and semi illiterates are not allowed to set up schools.
Also contributing to the motion, Mr Benard Ozoemelam (Ehime Mbano) added that approved schools should also be reviewed to ensure that they maintain required standards for approval.
He added that some of the approved private schools have regressed without the knowledge of the relevant supervisory bodies, and as such should be reassessed.
Following other contributions in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma) granted the prayers of the motion.
He also directed the Clerk, Mrs Emeghara to convey the resolution to the ministry of education.
