In a recent press issued by the Ministry of Secondary Education, Prof. Nalova Lyonga announced the shutdown of obout 154 private schools and private training colleges for the 2025–2026 academic year.
The decision, once again, stems from non-compliance with legal procedures. Not once, not twice this crackdown has become a recurring measure as the ministry intensifies efforts to track down clandestine schools operating without approval. Year after year, unauthorized institutions are identified and shut down, yet many resurface, raising questions about the sustainability of these enforcement actions.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, over 100 schools faced similar closures, with reports indicating that some continued operations under different names and relocates. The previous year, 87 institutions were shut down, following the same reasons. Prof. Nalova Lyonga has urged parents to verify the accreditation status of schools before enrollment, warning against the risks of unapproved institutions.
The minister maintains that only schools meeting infrastructure, staffing, and administrative standards should operate. Ornella Claudia a parent says « I take in to consideration the achievement of the school, I don’t enrol my child in any school because I think it is closer but rather ensure it will not be a waste of year and resources. I have heard of clandestine schools but what we don’t know is what their faith is after the closure, if really the minister is fighting against those schools, it should be close and signal to the citizens so as to prevent other parents».
Recommending the minister should not only close illegal schools but also publicly disclose their names and locations to prevent further deception saying transparency is key to protecting parents and students. “We all want the best for our kids so if it was properly examine and one can finally say that some schools operates illegally, then it school be made know, we at time want to facilitate things for both our kids and us parents who see them off in school but little do we know we are leading to the wrong move, so if the minister can really help us”.
Cho Evet on her part says. Others have praised Prof. Nalova Lyonga’s act, calling her one of the most competent ministers. Despite repeated closures, the persistence of illegal schools demands deeper challenges in regulation and oversight.
