Rivers govt to shut illegal schools

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that the government will shut down all illegal private schools in the state.

The governor also announced that majority of principals of public secondary schools in the state will be suspended for charging illegal levies which placed unnecessary burden on parents.

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, during a meeting with proprietors of private secondary schools, Governor Wike said the actions are aimed at improving the quality of education in the state.

He announced the setting up of a committee to undertake the comprehensive audit of all private schools in the state for the purpose of ascertaining the quality of teachers in such schools, the nature of their environment and their operational capacity.

He said: “This audit committee will work with stakeholders. All schools that are not approved would be shut down immediately. We cannot continue to have illegal schools in the state.”

The governor disclosed that henceforth no private school will have permanent approval, pointing out that all the private schools will have temporary approvals, subject to periodic reviews.

On the payment of levies, Governor Wike said that his administration has commenced the process of harmonising all rates to eliminate multiple taxation.

He directed the Education Commissioner to sanction major private schools that failed to attend the meeting, stressing that the meeting would now be held quarterly.

The governor said the Rivers State Government will continue to support private schools through the provision of basic amenities.

He urged them to reciprocate by reducing the fees that they charge parents.

In her remarks, Dr (Mrs.) Okechukwu Owhondah of Haruk Group of Schools commended Governor Wike for taking steps to improve the quality of education in the state.

Dame Victoria Awuse of Butterstone Group of Schools warned against unwholesome and unethical practices by private school owners. She appealed to the state government to check the excesses of the private school owners.

Rivers State Education Commissioner, Professor Kaniye Ebeku assured that the Ministry would work towards the improvement of education in the state.

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt