PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Government has announced plans to shut down unapproved private schools operating in the state as part of efforts to strengthen quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the education sector. The closure exercise was scheduled to begin on June 15, 2026. The state Ministry of Education said the measure was aimed at protecting children and ensuring that private schools operating in Rivers State meet established educational standards. Schools operating without registration or official approval were warned that they would not be allowed to continue operating. The ministry also directed approved private schools with outstanding annual renewal fees to settle their arrears and ensure that their approval certificates remained valid. Regulation of private schools is intended to ensure that children receive education in safe and appropriate environments. Schools are expected to meet standards relating to classrooms, sanitation, staffing, teaching materials, safety and administration. Where institutions operate without oversight, authorities may have limited ability to determine whether those standards are being met. Private schools have become an important part of Nigeria's education system because they provide places for large numbers of pupils and reduce pressure on public institutions. However, expansion of the private-school sector also creates a need for effective regulation. Parents often depend on government approval as an indication that a school has met basic requirements. Authorities therefore have a responsibility to maintain accurate records of approved institutions and communicate them clearly to the public. School operators, on the other hand, need to understand the requirements for registration and renewal. Compliance should not be treated as a one-time process. Schools must continue to maintain standards after receiving approval. Regular inspections can help authorities identify problems and encourage operators to correct them before they become serious. At the same time, regulation should be transparent and consistent. School owners need clear information about fees, inspection procedures and documentation requirements. Unnecessary administrative complications can create difficulties for responsible operators. Government agencies can improve compliance by providing accessible guidance and reasonable timelines for schools to correct deficiencies. The closure of unapproved schools could affect pupils enrolled in institutions that fail to meet requirements. Authorities will therefore need to consider how affected children can continue their education. Parents should receive adequate notice and information about alternative schools where necessary. The broader objective should be to protect pupils without creating unnecessary disruption to their education. Private schools also need qualified teachers and adequate learning resources. Low operating costs should not come at the expense of educational quality. Parents can help by checking whether schools have valid approval and by asking questions about staffing, facilities and academic programmes. The Rivers initiative highlights the importance of balancing access with quality. Nigeria needs more educational opportunities, but expansion must be accompanied by appropriate standards and accountability. Effective regulation can help ensure that private schools contribute positively to the education system while protecting children from institutions that fail to meet basic requirements.