On Saturday, the Cross River State government announced that 58 schools lacking the required Approval to Operate were closed in Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Yakurr LGAs, as part of a state‑wide quality‑assurance drive.
**What prompted the closures?**
The Ministry of Education’s Department of Quality Assurance intensified inspections to identify institutions operating without legal permission. The department’s mandate is to ensure schools meet minimum standards for safety and learning environments.
**Who led the initiative?**
[Prof. Stephen Odey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Odey), the Commissioner for Education, disclosed the action, emphasizing that the crackdown is intended to “sanitize the education sector, enforce compliance with established regulations, and ensure acceptable standards for teaching and learning.”
**Which areas were affected?**
The shutdowns occurred across four local government areas: Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Yakurr. The ministry reported that the operation will continue throughout the state’s 18 LGAs until the sector’s cleanup objectives are met.
**What are the next steps for school owners?**
Officials warned proprietors of unapproved schools to regularise their status by obtaining the necessary approvals. Any institution that is sealed and later reopened without authorization will face “appropriate sanctions,” according to the commissioner.
**Why is the government taking this stance?**
The administration stressed that the measures are not a “witch‑hunt” but a necessary effort to protect learners, uphold the integrity of the education sector, and maintain quality assurance across Cross River State.