The Imo State Ministry of Education, Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) has issued a stern warning to proprietors of private and faith-based schools, cautioning that continued disregard for government directives could lead to the revocation of their operational licences.
In a public notice signed by Hon. Commissioner Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha on May 29, 2026, the ministry expressed concern over repeated acts of civil disobedience by some mission schools, particularly their refusal to comply with declared public holidays.
According to the statement, despite the Federal Government’s declaration of May 27 and 28, 2026 as public holidays, several Catholic schools in Owerri and Orlu dioceses opened for classes, defying the directive.
The ministry noted that this was not the first time such violations had occurred, citing similar incidents in 2025 when education secretaries from the dioceses ignored invitations to account for their actions.
Prof. Ikegwuoha personally monitored schools during the holidays and identified institutions such as Holy Ghost College, Claret Academy Secondary School, and Madonna Secondary School as repeat offenders.
While some proprietors expressed remorse, others openly challenged the ministry’s authority, insisting on their right to operate independently of government directives.
The commissioner emphasized that Nigeria is a secular state and that no religious institution is permitted to arrogate civil powers to itself.
He stressed that all schools—public or private—must adhere to uniform rules, including compliance with public holidays, standard operating hours (8:00 AM to 3:00 PM), and adherence to state examination guidelines.
The ministry warned that any further breaches by private or faith-based schools would result in immediate withdrawal of their licences without notice.
“This act of civil disobedience against the laws of Nigeria will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read, urging Imolites and stakeholders to support efforts to uphold discipline and order in the education sector.
