October 23, 2025
In continuation of the ongoing statewide sanitization of the education sector, the Cross River State Ministry of Education Taskforce on the Closure of Illegal Schools has sealed off several unapproved schools operating without the mandatory Approval to Operate (ATO) across the state. The Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing standards and restoring order in the education system. He disclosed that some proprietors of previously shut-down schools had defied government directives by reopening illegally.
“Any proprietor who continues to operate after being shut down will be arrested and prosecuted,” the Commissioner warned, emphasizing that the ongoing education reforms will not be compromised or sabotaged by any individual or group.
On the fourth day of the exercise, the following schools were affected:
1. Smart Sharunbella Academy, 1B Nyong Agbor Street, Calabar
2. Christ Infant Nursery/Primary School, Odukpani Qua Town
3. Grace of God Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
4. Treasure Child Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, Odukpani Qua Town
5. Blissful Life Christian Schools, Mbarakom Road, Awi, Akamkpa
6. Holy Choice International Academy, Awi Mbarakom Road, Akamkpa
7. Divine Partaker International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
8. Right Time Schools, Awi, Akamkpa
9. King Solomon International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
10. Bright Future Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
11. Major International Nursery/Primary School, Awi, Akamkpa
12. Malcom Child Future Academy, Mbarakom II, Akamkpa
13. Life Foundation Nursery/Primary School, Isong Inyang
14. Briforth International Secondary School, Old Okomita, Akamkpa
15. Foundational Builders Nursery/Primary School, Okana
16. U.E.C. Nursery/Primary School, Ohana
17. Leading Stars & World Changers Nursery/Primary School, Iyamoyong
18. Echimachia Worowor Secondary School, Ovonum
19. John Calvin Comprehensive Secondary School, Obubra Station
20. Echimachia Worowor Nursery/Primary School, Ovonum
21. Divine Kids Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
22. Perfect God Academy Nursery/Primary School, Ovukwa
23. Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Oderega
24. Chrisbrown Nursery/Primary School, Ukpada, Obudu LGA
25. Fidel Nursery/Primary/Secondary School, Mgbenege
26. God Plan Nursery/Primary School, Nkerira, Utugwang
27. Givicks International Academy, Kikong, Obudu
28. Bright Light International Nursery/Primary School, Bebuagbong
29. Jully Fidelity Nursery/Primary School, Atiekpe, Obudu
30. Seat of Wisdom Academy, Bekpam, Obudu
31. Maria Faustina Secondary School, Bekpam, Obudu
32. Crystal Beacon Secondary School, Bishiri Road, Obudu
33. Fortress Home International Schools, Ranch Road, Obudu
The State Government, through the Ministry of Education, has reaffirmed that the closure exercise will continue until all illegal and unapproved schools across Cross River State are completely phased out. This, it stated, is to ensure that only duly accredited institutions are permitted to operate and deliver quality education to the state’s children.
So far, a total of 133 illegal schools lacking the requisite learning environment and Approval to Operate (ATO) have been shut down within the first four (4) days of the ongoing education sector sanitation exercise.
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