Anambra Govt Sets September Deadline for Unaccredited Private Schools to Comply or Face Closure

The Anambra State Government has announced a firm deadline of September 2025 for all unaccredited private schools operating within the state to regularize their status or face immediate closure. This directive was issued as part of the government’s efforts to reform and sanitize the education sector in the state.

The warning was issued by the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who stated that the government would no longer tolerate the proliferation of substandard and unapproved educational institutions. According to the commissioner, any private school that fails to meet the state’s accreditation standards by the end of September will be shut down without exception.

Professor Chuma-Udeh emphasized that many private schools in Anambra State are operating without meeting the basic requirements set by the Ministry of Education. These include appropriate facilities, qualified teachers, and adherence to the state’s educational guidelines. She noted that some of these schools are endangering the future of the students by providing poor-quality education in environments that are not conducive to learning.

The commissioner revealed that the Ministry of Education had already embarked on a comprehensive verification and inspection exercise across the state. The goal is to identify all non-compliant schools and ensure that they are either brought up to standard or removed from the system. She stated that the list of unaccredited schools will be made public to help parents and guardians make informed decisions regarding where to enroll their children.

According to Professor Chuma-Udeh, some proprietors of private schools have continued to disregard multiple warnings from the government. She said the September deadline would be final, adding that no further extensions would be granted. She urged all school owners to use the opportunity to rectify their accreditation status and comply with government regulations.

The commissioner also pointed out that the initiative is not meant to target or suppress private education, but rather to protect the interests of students and parents. She reiterated that the government values the role of private schools in expanding access to education, but stressed that such institutions must operate within the legal framework established by the state.

As part of the regularization process, private school operators are expected to submit required documents to the Ministry of Education, including proof of registration, staff qualifications, school layout, and evidence of compliance with safety and health standards. The state government will review these submissions before granting full accreditation.

Professor Chuma-Udeh noted that after the September deadline, enforcement teams from the Ministry of Education will begin a statewide crackdown on defaulting schools. She warned that any school found operating without accreditation beyond the deadline would be sealed, and its proprietors could face legal consequences.

Parents have been advised to verify the accreditation status of schools before enrolling their children, as certificates issued by unaccredited schools may not be recognized by the state. The Ministry plans to publish a list of all approved private schools in Anambra State to guide the public.

The Anambra State Government’s move is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education in the state. Officials say the long-term goal is to ensure that all schools, public or private, meet minimum standards and offer students a safe, effective, and competitive learning environment.

Education stakeholders in the state have expressed support for the government’s directive, calling it a necessary step toward improving learning outcomes. Many have criticized the unchecked growth of substandard schools and have called for stricter monitoring and enforcement of educational regulations.

With the deadline now in place, attention is turning to how many schools will be able to meet the required standards within the given timeframe. The government says it will continue to provide guidance to school operators on how to comply, but maintains that the rules will be enforced without favoritism or delay.