The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Great Mind Academy in Awka.
DDM gathered that the closure follows a government inspection revealing unsafe and unhealthy conditions at the school.
The directive was issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
The school is located behind the old Government House in Awka.
According to Chuma-Udeh, the learning environment at Great Mind Academy was unfit for students.
She stated that the government would not allow children to continue their education under such unsafe conditions.
The commissioner confirmed that the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade has been instructed to enforce the closure immediately.
Education officials inspected the facility and identified multiple areas of concern, including inadequate sanitation and poor classroom infrastructure.
Parents and guardians were notified of the closure, and students were sent home pending further government directives.
Analysts note that unsafe school environments have become a recurring issue in parts of Nigeria, affecting both public and private institutions.
The closure of Great Mind Academy comes amid nationwide discussions on the need for proper oversight of school facilities.
The state government emphasized that the health, safety, and well-being of students remain a top priority.
Chuma-Udeh warned other private schools in Anambra to comply with safety and health regulations to avoid similar closures.
The commissioner noted that regular inspections would continue to ensure compliance with minimum education standards.
Stakeholders have praised the government’s swift action, describing it as necessary to protect students from preventable hazards.
Education advocacy groups have called for additional measures to monitor school environments across the state.
They argue that preventive strategies are needed to avoid long-term disruption to students’ learning.
Parents expressed mixed reactions, with some appreciating the government’s intervention while others raised concerns about the immediate impact on academic schedules.
The state government has promised to provide guidance to affected schools and parents on next steps.
Officials said reopening of Great Mind Academy will only occur once the school meets required health and safety standards.
The closure reflects a broader commitment by the Anambra State Government to maintain safe and conducive learning environments for all students.