OGUN TO SANCTION ILLEGAL SCHOOL OPERATORS

Barr. Segun Odubela

All illegal and unregistered school operators in Ogun State have been advised to regularize their status by registering with the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on or before July 31^st 2012, failure to which they would have their premises sealed.

The Commissioner Barrister John Olusegun Odubela, who gave this advice in a statement, pointed out that recent survey had revealed that over 1000 illegal schools are operating in the State.

Barrister Odubela added that the registration of schools operating in the State became imperative to ensure easy identification of government-approved schools, prevent parents from innocently enrolling their children into illegal schools and stop the proliferation of substandard schools.

He stated that government did not intend to disrupt the education of any child, saying this is why the July 31^stdate was given as a period of grace during which affected schools were expected to regularize their status or be closed down.

“We are committed to ensuring that education is provided by suitably qualified and experienced education professionals. We will license fit and proper persons, operating in fit and proper premises. That is our responsibility to the young residents of Ogun State and it is taken very seriously”, he said.

The Commissioner said that the Ministry had established a task force, headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Tunji Abimbola to ensure that all schools operating illegally in Ogun State are closed and to assist parents to identify legally registered schools through the publication of the list of such schools in the State Government Website.

Barrister Odubela also pointed out that the Ministry maintained a list of legally registered schools who have met the required standards, and that any school that is not on the list is presumed to be illegal and would be closed down while the operators will be prosecuted.

He further explained that the Ministry recently held a meeting with the executive of the State chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, who welcomed the move to curtail the activity of illegal schools.