Kogi state government has shut down no less than 17 tertiary institutions operating illegally in the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, made the disclosure during an oversight visit of the House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology led by Hon. Idris Aliyu Mekudi.
Jones, who noted that 17 illegal tertiary institutions are currently operating in the state, particularly in Ankpa local government area of Kogi State, said aside the denial of the use of public schools for their operations, the schools have been shut down.
He said unapproved and illegal tertiary institutions will no longer be allowed to operate without providing the basic requirements to operate.
The Commissioner explained that the focus of the state government in the new dispensation is the inspection, monitoring and supervision of primary and secondary schools in the state, adding that the new dispensation will also review the operations of private schools in the state.
He stated that following the enactment of the education law which gives powers to the Ministry to look at the operations of private schools, the Ministry is going all out to bring sanity to the education sector.
He said the Ministry will, going forward, place closer look at the operations of primary and secondary schools, to deliver on the curriculum.
He assured that the Ministry will ensure the implementation of the education master plan in the state by the suspension of substandard private schools as well as with setting up of task forces to monitor the activities of public schools.
Hon. Jones disclosed that the present administration is resolved at revamping education at the primary and secondary school level, described it as the very cradle and foundation for sustainable education which must be given the desired priority.
