The Plateau State Ministry of Education has taken decisive action to uphold educational standards by closing down two private schools, First Academy and Niret Private School, located in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, respectively. This closure stems from an ongoing verification exercise of all private schools within the state, aimed at ensuring that educational institutions meet the minimum requirements for providing quality education to children. The ministry’s Director of Quality Assurance, Mr. Sabastine John, addressed the media regarding the closures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining educational standards.
The primary reason for the closure of First Academy and Niret Private School is the deplorable state of their facilities. Mr. John highlighted the lack of a conducive environment for teaching and learning in these institutions, stating that the ministry cannot allow such conditions to persist. The inadequate facilities impede the effective delivery of education and compromise the learning experience for students. The ministry believes that all schools should adhere to stipulated guidelines to ensure a baseline level of quality across the educational landscape.
The case of First Academy reveals a history of non-compliance. The school had been closed down two years prior for similar reasons, only to be allowed to reopen after pleas from the management. However, despite the reprieve and the opportunity to improve, the school failed to address the issues raised, leading to the current closure. This underscores the ministry’s resolve to enforce standards and hold schools accountable for providing adequate learning environments.
The closure of these two private schools reflects a broader initiative by the Plateau State Ministry of Education to ensure that all schools within its jurisdiction operate according to established guidelines. This initiative emphasizes the importance of quality assurance in education and demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to providing students with access to conducive learning environments. The ongoing verification exercise highlights the proactive approach taken by the ministry to monitor and address issues related to educational standards.
The ministry’s actions are not intended to permanently shut down these schools but rather to prompt necessary improvements. Mr. John clarified that the management of both First Academy and Niret Private School can apply for reopening once the identified issues are addressed. This provides an opportunity for the schools to rectify their shortcomings and demonstrate their commitment to providing a suitable learning environment for students. The process of reopening will likely involve further inspections and evaluations to ensure that the necessary improvements have been implemented.
In essence, the closure of First Academy and Niret Private School underscores the Plateau State Ministry of Education’s dedication to upholding quality standards in education. By taking decisive action against schools that fail to meet these standards, the ministry is working to safeguard the educational well-being of children in the state. The ongoing verification process, coupled with the opportunity for schools to rectify their shortcomings and apply for reopening, demonstrates a balanced approach that aims to improve the overall quality of education in Plateau State.
