PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Ministry of Education has issued a final warning ahead of a comprehensive statewide enforcement exercise targeting unapproved private educational centers.

According to an official public interest memo, enforcement teams will systematically inspect and seal operations of schools operating without regulatory certification or failing to meet structural safety baselines.

The Ministry emphasized that while it encourages private sector collaboration, it will not tolerate substandard learning environments or compromised educational curriculums that jeopardize the academic future of Rivers youth.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, stated that the enforcement exercise follows several months of warnings and grace periods granted to non-compliant institutions. "We have been patient and provided ample time for schools to regularize their operations. The time for compliance is now," he warned.

The exercise will target schools that lack proper registration with the Ministry, those operating in unsafe structures, and institutions using unapproved curricula. The Ministry has identified over 200 schools across the state that fall into these categories.

Dr. Nwagor assured parents that the exercise is aimed at protecting their children's education and safety. "We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but we must prioritize the welfare of our students. Unapproved schools pose serious risks to our children," he said.

The Ministry has urged parents to verify the approval status of their children's schools through the Ministry's official channels. Schools that meet the required standards will receive clearance certificates.

Traditional rulers and community leaders have been called upon to support the exercise by encouraging schools in their domains to comply with government regulations.

The enforcement teams, comprising officials from the Ministry, security agencies, and education quality assurance officers, will begin the statewide sweep next week.