By Staff Reporter
Several unauthorized and unsafe schools have been closed and sealed in Bamenda I Subdivision following instructions from the Minister of Basic Education and the Minister of Secondary Education to intensify the control of educational establishments operating without the required authorization or from unsuitable premises.
Acting upon the instructions of the Divisional Officer for Bamenda I Subdivision, the Assistant Divisional Officer for Bamenda I Subdivision led a control and closure operation on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Forces of Law and Order and staff of the Inspectorate of Basic Education.
The operation, which commenced at about 11:00 a.m., was aimed at identifying unauthorized educational establishments, assessing the conditions under which teaching and learning were taking place, and taking appropriate measures against schools operating in violation of administrative, safety, hygiene and infrastructural requirements.
The first stop was Bright Future Primary School at Hotspot, where the team found the institution operating from a rented building converted into classrooms. The premises were reportedly highly disorganized and considered unsuitable for a proper teaching and learning environment. The school was consequently closed and the premises sealed.
The team proceeded to CBC Bujong, where four classrooms were found to be poorly maintained, dirty and unkempt. The absence of doors was another concern raised by the inspection team, as it exposed pupils and teaching staff to unacceptable conditions. Closure measures were subsequently taken.
At Nkar Nursery and Primary School, inspectors encountered more serious safety concerns. The nursery section was housed in a building described as being in an advanced state of deterioration, raising fears of a possible collapse. The primary section was operating from an old building shared with a church. In view of the condition of the structures and the risks posed to pupils and staff, the premises were closed and sealed.
Saints Augustine School also featured on the itinerary of the control team. The institution was inspected and appropriate measures were taken based on the observations made on the ground.
The operation later continued to Abuhmuchi, where the team visited Roral Foundation, a nursery and primary school situated in an isolated area surrounded by bush. The establishment was operating from an old and incomplete storey building, which was considered unsuitable for accommodating young children. The school was consequently affected by the closure measures.
The exercise revealed several shortcomings among some educational establishments in the subdivision. These included the operation of schools without the required authorization, the use of rented and unsuitable buildings as classrooms, poor maintenance, unhygienic conditions, absence of basic facilities and the use of old and incomplete structures.
Particular concern was raised over buildings showing signs of structural deterioration and schools located in isolated environments considered unsuitable for the safety and welfare of nursery and primary school children.
Some of the establishments targeted during the operation had already shut their doors before the arrival of the inspection team. The presence of the Forces of Law and Order helped facilitate the implementation of the closure measures, with no major incident recorded.
Following the exercise, authorities recommended regular control and monitoring operations within Bamenda I Subdivision to identify unauthorized schools and prevent their continued operation. Schools that have been closed are also expected to be closely monitored to ensure that they do not clandestinely resume activities.
School proprietors have been reminded of their obligation to obtain the necessary authorization before commencing school activities and to ensure that their premises meet the required standards of safety, hygiene and infrastructure.
Parents and guardians have equally been called upon to verify the authorization and physical conditions of schools before enrolling their children, particularly nursery and primary school pupils.
The exercise ended at Abuhmuchi and was conducted smoothly. Authorities say the closure of the affected establishments was necessary to safeguard the lives and well-being of pupils and staff and to reinforce compliance with regulations governing the operation of educational establishments.
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