Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Ekiti State Commissioner for Education


By Toba Suleiman in Ado-Ekiti

Following the expiration of the six-month ultimatum to proprietors of private schools in Ekiti State to properly register and upgrade facilities in their schools, the Ekiti State Government has sealed off 131 unregistered and substandard schools in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, who made this known while addressing newsmen in Ado Ekiti, said owners of the affected schools, had been severally warned to properly register them.

She said the schools were given six months to meet up with the expected standard set by the state government for the running of private schools, but they did not comply.

She reiterated the commitment of the Fayemi-led administration towards providing a conducive learning environment that would enhance the performance of students, adding that government would not compromise the future of children in the state under any circumstance.
While advising proprietors who do not have the wherewithal to run a standard school to quit the venture gracefully, Ajayi stressed that government would no longer allow sub-standard schools to function in the state.

She said the minimum acceptable standard for schools in the state include the ability of the school to function from its permanent site in not more than three years after establishment.

The commissioner added that the permanent site, which must have between two to three hectares of land for future expansion, must at inception consist of a minimum of three standard and well ventilated classrooms, as well as an administrative block with a minimum of two rooms and a store.

Other facilities expected in a standard school include a functional library equipped with up-to-date books, as well as qualified teachers.