Bauchi Government Moves to Shut Down Illegal Private Schools

The Bauchi State Government has announced plans to establish a mobile court to prosecute proprietors of unregistered private schools as part of efforts to improve standards and strengthen regulation in the state's education sector. The Commissioner for Education, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, disclosed the plan during an inspection of selected private schools in Bauchi metropolis. He said the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Bauchi State House of Assembly. According to the commissioner, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure that all private schools comply with the state's registration and operational requirements. He explained that the inspection exercise revealed that only 17 of the 47 private schools visited were officially registered, while the remaining 30 were operating without approval. Ibrahim warned that proprietors of unregistered schools risk prosecution and possible closure if they fail to comply with the law. He said the proposed mobile court would help enforce existing regulations and promote accountability within the private education sector. Despite the planned enforcement measures, the commissioner assured compliant school owners of the government's continued support in improving the quality of education across the state. He noted that collaboration between the government and private school operators remains essential to achieving better learning outcomes for students. During the inspection, Ibrahim commended the management of Sunshine International Schools and Dolphin Maria College for meeting the required operational standards. He encouraged other private schools to complete their registration processes and comply with government regulations. The proprietors of the two schools expressed appreciation for the inspection, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening educational standards. They also pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Education to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The inspection team included the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education.