The Abia State Ministry of Education has issued a notice to proprietors of private schools in the state, informing them that the inspection and evaluation of their schools will commence on Tuesday, 31st October 2023.
In order to facilitate the inspection, the education ministry has directed all private schools currently on mid-term break to bring back their pupils.
A press statement, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche-Eme-Uche, emphasized that any school failing to adhere to this directive or refusing to cooperate with government inspectors will face sanctions.
“The Abia State Ministry of Education will begin the inspection and evaluation of private schools in the state on Tuesday, 31st October 2023,” the statement read.
“To ensure a smooth inspection process, all proprietors are advised to make their school premises accessible to the team of inspectors visiting their schools. Additionally, schools currently on mid-term break are instructed to cancel it and bring back their students/pupils.”
The statement further emphasized the consequences of non-compliance, stating that schools that fail to adhere to the directive or cooperate with the inspectors will face government sanctions.
According to reliable sources, certain private schools, particularly those catering to pre-nursery, nursery, and primary education, are apprehensive about the outcome of the inspection. These schools, located in Umuahia and Aba, have been working diligently to ensure their facilities, locations, and teacher quality standards meet the ministry’s requirements before the arrival of the inspectors.
Earlier this year, in July, Commissioner Eme-Uche declared that her ministry was committed to sanitizing the education sector in Abia, signaling the end of substandard schools in the state.
It is worth noting that in October 2022, the previous administration of Okezie Ikpeazu closed down seven private schools in Aba for operating illegally and allegedly subjecting children to an unfriendly environment.
