Rivers State Government Shuts Over 1000 Illegal Schools

The Rivers Government has closed no
fewer than 1,886 schools operating
without
government’s approval, Gov. Nyesom Wike
said in Port Harcourt.



Wike made the development known when
the management staff of Jesuit Memorial
College, Mbodo-Aluu, paid him a courtesy
visit.



He said the schools were shut for failing
to meet specified standards of the state
Ministry of education.


He said that parents patronising the
affected schools had been told to relocate
their wards before the next academic
session began.


According to him, the government will
fully implement measures aimed at
strengthening the state education sector
by September.


“We want to maintain standards that will
uplift education in the state,” Wike said.


Wike also explained that his
administration was committed to
transforming the state and
empowering its people through an
enhanced education sector.


He condemned examination malpractice
associated with some illegal schools
operating as West African Examination
Council (WAEC) centres in some remote
parts of the state.


According to the governor, most illegal
schools have become WAEC magic centres
where examination malpractices are
promoted.


He, however, commended the
management of the Jesuit Memorial
College for establishing a branch in Rivers
in honour of the 60 students who died in
the Sosoliso air crash in Port Harcourt on
Dec.10, 2005.



He assured them of the state
government’s support to ensure that the
school served the
people better.



Earlier, the Principal of the school, Rev.
Emeka Asogwa, explained that the school
was established in memory of the 60
students of Jesuit Memorial College, Abuja,
who died in the air crash.



He commended the state government for
partnering the school in infrastructural
development.



He also appealed to the governor to assist
the school to get the Certificate of
Occupancy for the 21 hectare of land
allocated to it by the state government.

Sorce-(NAN)