Faith based/Private Mission Schools Risk Closure in Imo Over Failure To Public Holidays Directive

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Five private schools believed to be faith based and missions schools in Owerri Imo are attracting the wrath of the Imo State Government.

Reports available to Trumpeta have it that the Imo State Ministry of Education, Primary and Secondary may wield its big stick on schools who failed to adhere to the instructions on government public holidays.

The Imo State Government through the Ministry had previously warned and asked both private and government schools to respect pubic holidays of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The state commissioner of Post Primary and Primary Education, Prof T.O.C Ikeagwuonu as part of his reform in the education sector asked schools in the state to comply to the directive.

Trumpeta learnt that an enforcement drive prosecuted by the Ministry of Education on Public Holiday Directive that May 27th and 28th, 2026 led to the discovery of non compliant schools for nationally approved public holiday. The compliance, according to the ministry in an information Trumpeta has, schools in Imo State public and private were directed to remain closed.

“All public schools in Imo State complied and remained closed but Multiple private and faith-based/mission schools were found open and conducting classes.

“Some of the Schools that was found open during today’s inspections are as follows:

1. Holy Ghost College, Owerri

2. Anglican Christ Secondary School, New Owerri (World Bank Area)

3. Diamond Secondary School, Ikenegbu, Owerri

4. Claret Secondary School, New Owerri

5. Super Star Secondary School, near WAEC office, Prefab, Owerri

6. Madonna Secondary School, Works Layout, Owerri

“All schools were notified last year and again this year that national and state public holidays must be observed. Where schools were found open, immediate action was taken to seal the premises and seize operating licenses pending further review.

“This is not the first occurrence. In 2025, similar enforcement/ exercise was carried out in some schools in Orji Areas Owerri North, Eziachi and other schools in Orlu.

The Ministry will not operate two standards for private schools in Imo State. To uphold the law and serve as a deterrent, steps are being initiated to withdraw the approval license for Claret School.

“The Ministry remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and consistently for all schools in Imo State”, a statement from Dr. Mrs. IG. AKUEGBU-SUNDAY for the

Hon. Commissioner stated