EBONYI STATE COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION ' DONATUS ILLANG', ANNOUNCED THE ARREST OF OVER 88 PROPRIETORS AND TEACHERS FOR OPERATING UNAPPROVED AND ILLEGAL SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE.(PHOTO).

 Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), Donatus Illang, announced the arrest of over 88 proprietors and teachers for operating unapproved and illegal schools across the state. The crackdown follows an intensive inspection by the Ministry of Education, which identified numerous institutions failing to meet regulatory standards. These schools, described as substandard and lacking proper accreditation, have been ordered to cease operations immediately.

Illang emphasized that the move is part of the state government’s commitment to ensuring quality education and safeguarding students from poorly managed institutions. "We cannot compromise on the future of our children," he stated during a press briefing in Abakaliki on October 2, 2025. "These illegal schools lack qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and approved curricula, which poses a significant risk to the education system."

The Ministry has shut down the identified schools and issued stern warnings to other unregistered institutions to comply with state regulations or face similar consequences. Proprietors and teachers arrested are currently under investigation, with potential legal action pending. The commissioner urged parents to verify the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children and encouraged community members to report suspected illegal institutions.

The Ebonyi State government has also launched an initiative to support legitimate schools in meeting compliance standards, including teacher training programs and infrastructure development. Illang reaffirmed the state’s dedication to improving educational standards, stating, "We are working to create an environment where every child has access to quality education in a safe and regulated setting."