OND O GOVT CLAMPS DOWN ON ERRING SCHOOLS, SHUTS ST. LOUIS PRIMARY OVER RULE

The Ondo State Government has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of St. Louis Primary School, Ondo, over alleged persistent violations of regulatory guidelines governing private educational institutions in the state.

The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, during an inspection exercise in Ondo West Local Government Area, where the school is located.

Prof. Ajibefun said the decision followed the school’s continued non-compliance with statutory requirements despite repeated warnings and engagements by officials of the Ministry of Education. He described the action as inevitable, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate deliberate disregard for laid-down rules by operators of private schools.

According to him, the closure forms part of the state government’s broader commitment to sanitising the education sector and ensuring that all schools operate strictly within the legal and regulatory framework established by the state.

“The government is not out to witch-hunt any school, but we will not compromise on standards. Every private school must meet the minimum requirements as stipulated by law. St. Louis Primary School has persistently failed to comply with these regulations, hence this decisive action,” the commissioner said.

He further explained that the shutdown would remain in force until the school fully complies with all government regulations and formally recognises the supervisory and regulatory authority of the state over private educational institutions.

Prof. Ajibefun warned other private school owners across the state to regularise their operations without delay, noting that similar sanctions await any institution found operating outside approved guidelines.

The Ministry of Education also urged parents and guardians of pupils enrolled at St. Louis Primary School to comply with the directive and make alternative arrangements for their children, assuring them that the decision was taken in the best interest of the pupils and the education system as a whole.

The Ondo State Government reiterated its resolve to uphold quality, safety, and standardisation in education, insisting that no institution would be allowed to undermine efforts aimed at improving learning outcomes across the state.