The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki has ordered the immediate closure of all non-approved Catholic schools operating within its jurisdiction.In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Edward Inyanwachi, Director of the Department of Catholic Education, the Diocese emphasized strict compliance with government policies and education regulations.
The directive instructs school managers to:
- Shut down unapproved schools without delay.
- Refund all fees already paid by parents.
- Reassign teachers from the affected schools.
- Submit all school-related documents and financial records to the Diocesan Education Office.
Deposit remaining school funds in Umunnachi Microfinance Bank, attaching statements of account.
Parents affected by the closures were urged to enroll their children in approved Catholic schools nearby, ensuring continuity of education.
According to the statement, the move was necessary to avoid embarrassment from enforcement actions by government officials empowered to close illegal schools.
This is a wake-up call for us as we engage in the school apostolate. We must not bow to pressure from parents or guardians but rather follow due process for establishing schools with adequate funding and proper planning, the Diocese stressed.
The directive is mandatory and binding, with all school managers expected to comply immediately
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