‘Why Rivers Is Shutting Down 1,866 Schools’

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, has said that government’s decision to close down 1,866 schools was guided by its passion for qualitative education.
It would be recalled that the effective date for the closure of the schools is September 1.
However, the action has attracted criticisms, with some analysts arguing that the “sudden” closure would shoot up the cost of primary education in the state.
The analysts have also expressed fear that some children may have to go to school outside their communities as many areas would be left without any.
But Ebeku, who reacted to the criticisms in an interview with journalists, last Wednesday, in Port Harcourt, said that the schools were shut down because they were not approved by government.
“The schools were shut down because they were illegal and offered poor quality education to the populace.
“Government will not allow schools to operate without approval. The schools have proved to be irresponsible entities because they do not pay taxes to the state.
“Aside poor quality, the schools operate underground, and have no respect for the rules guiding the establishment and running of private schools in Rivers State,” he stressed.