The Cross River State Government has shut down 10 schools operating without the required government approval as part of a fresh enforcement exercise aimed at strengthening compliance with educational standards across the state.

The exercise is being conducted by the State Ministry of Education through its Quality Assurance Department, with officials targeting schools that do not have the mandatory Approval to Operate (ATO).

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey, said the enforcement was intended to protect pupils and students by ensuring that schools meet the standards required for effective teaching and learning.

According to the commissioner, proprietors of schools operating without approval have been advised to regularise their institutions. He also warned that schools sealed by the ministry and subsequently reopened without authorisation could face sanctions.

As of October 2, 2026, 10 schools had been shut down in the latest phase of the exercise. Nine of them are located in Calabar South Local Government Area, while one is in Odukpani Local Government Area.

The affected schools in Calabar South are Aunty Offiong’s Talent Nursery/Primary School, Dreams and Destiny Manifestation Nursery/Primary School, Abba’s Delight Kids Academy, Evangel High School, Destined Headers International School, Phronesis-Sunesis School of Excellence, Emerald Bay Schools, Elsin Foundation and Bridgeway International Schools.

God’slife Nursery/Primary School in Odukpani is the 10th school affected by the latest enforcement exercise.

The ministry said the action does not represent a one-off operation. According to the state government, monitoring and enforcement will continue across all 18 local government areas as authorities work to ensure that schools comply with approved requirements.

Cross River has previously carried out similar enforcement exercises. In October 2025, the state Ministry of Education reported the closure of dozens of schools found to be operating without the required Approval to Operate, showing that the current action forms part of a broader regulatory effort rather than an isolated exercise.

The state's Ministry of Education also maintains an online register of approved private schools, including institutions in Calabar South and Odukpani, as part of its regulatory framework.

Odey said compliance with approved standards was essential to maintaining the quality, safety and integrity of education and providing pupils and students with suitable environments for learning.

The ministry's continued enforcement means proprietors whose schools do not yet meet the state's requirements are being encouraged to regularise their operations, while authorities are expected to continue inspections across the state.

The government has reiterated that the broader objective is to ensure that educational institutions operate within the approved regulatory framework and that pupils and students receive their education in safe and properly regulated learning environments.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia