By POLYCARP AUTA

The Plateau Ministry of Education has closed down two private schools in Jos for operating below minimum standard.

Mr Sabastine John, the Director, Quality Assurance of the ministry, disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Jos.

John identified the schools as First Academy and Niret Private School, located in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, respectively.

He said that the schools were closed down during the ongoing verification of all private schools in the state.

He added that the move aimed at ensuring quality education for children in the state.

“We observed that the facilities in these schools were still in a deplorable state and their management had not adhered to the required standards.

“There is no conducive environment for quality teaching and learning to take place in these schools, and we cannot allow this to continue.

“Two years ago, we closed down First Academy due to substandard facilities, but the management of the school pleaded with the state government, here we are today and nothing has changed.

“This action is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all schools in the state operate in line with stipulated guidelines,” he said.

The director, however, called on the management of the schools to apply for reopening when all the issues raised were addressed. (NAN)