FCTA shuts 2 substandard schools in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has closed two private schools for operating below minimum standard in Abuja.

The affected schools are Erudite Bright Kids at Kagini and Jane’s Angela School in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The schools were closed during an operation to close all substandard schools operating in Abuja on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, who led the team, explained that the measure was to ensure quality of teaching and learning in FCT schools.

Hayyo said the move was in line with the mandate of the Department of Quality Assurance charged with the core responsibility of proper accreditation of schools, monitoring, and inspection.

This, according to him, is to ensure quality educational services, compliance with the requirements for the establishment of schools, and enforcement of minimum standards as stipulated in the operational guidelines for schools.

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He added: “In a normal situation, no school should be allowed to operate in the FCT without due registration, payment of dues and obtaining the necessary requirements.

“The secretariat through the Department of Quality Assurance is determined to sanitise the system for a better teaching and learning process.

“We will also intensify its efforts to ensure FCT schools compete favorably in the global education space.”

The FCTA official, however, called on the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) to enlighten their members on minimum standards and the need to key into FCT Administration educational policies.

Hayyo also called for robust partnership of the private sector in the delivery of quality educational services to the teeming residents of Abuja.

He also frowned at the attitude of some school proprietors who denied evaluators and inspectors from accessing school premises.

On her part, the Director of the Department of Quality Assurance, Dr Favour Nse-Edem, stated that the sealed schools failed to satisfy the conditions of the establishment of regular schools.

Nse-Edem noted that there were no records of their existence and have been operating for years, adding that the closure was key to maintaining standards in schools.

She said the department would continue to ensure that both public and private schools operate within expected standards.

The Star