FCTA shuts down two substandard private schools
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday, closed two private schools for operating below the minimum educational standards in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The affected schools were identified as Erudite Bright Kids in Kagini and Jane’s Angela School in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The closure of these schools occurred as part of an operation aimed at shutting down substandard schools operating in the FCT.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, FCTA, led the team responsible for this action in Abuja.
Dr. Hayyo explained that the initiative was put in place to safeguard and enhance the quality of teaching and learning within FCT schools.
He emphasized that this aligns with the responsibilities of the Department of Quality Assurance, which is tasked with ensuring proper accreditation, monitoring, and inspection of schools.
The objective is to ensure the provision of high-quality educational services, compliance with the requirements for establishing schools, and enforcing the minimum standards stipulated in the operational guidelines for schools.
According to Dr. Hayyo, “In normal circumstances, no school should be allowed to operate in the FCT without proper registration, payment of dues, and meeting the necessary requirements.”
He went on to say that the secretariat, through the Department of Quality Assurance, is committed to sanitizing the education system for a more effective teaching and learning experience.
Dr. Hayyo also called upon the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools to educate their members on minimum standards and the importance of aligning with the educational policies of the FCT Administration.
He expressed concern over some school proprietors who obstructed evaluators and inspectors from accessing their school premises. Dr. Favour Nse-Edem, the Director of the Department of Quality Assurance, explained that the sealed schools failed to meet the requirements for the establishment of regular schools, and there were no records of their existence despite years of operation.
She emphasized that the closure was essential to maintain educational standards.
The director also pointed out that some schools were operating in environments that posed health hazards to students, such as faulty physical structures.
