Catholic Orders Closure of Schools

The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has ordered the immediate closure of all unapproved Catholic schools operating under its authority.

In a statement issued on behalf of Bishop Peter Chukwu, the Director of Catholic Education, Rev. Fr. Edward Inyanwachi, directed school managers to shut down such institutions without delay. The Diocese clarified that no school is permitted to operate within church buildings or parish halls. Parents were advised to enrol their children in nearby approved schools.

The directive also requires school managers to ensure the orderly refund of fees already paid and to disengage teachers employed at the affected schools formally. Fr. Inyanwachi said the move is necessary to comply with government regulations and prevent potential embarrassment from enforcement actions against illegal schools.

“This is a wake-up call for us as we engage in the school apostolate. We must follow due process for establishing schools with proper planning and funding,” the statement read.

The Diocese further instructed that all documents and financial records of the closed schools be submitted to the Education Office and that all funds be deposited into Umunnachi Microfinance Bank, accompanied by attached statements. Strict compliance with the directive is mandatory.