Parents Stranded As Abuja School Shuts Down Abruptly

Parents of pupils at Ausphine School, Kugbo campus, Abuja, have expressed outrage and frustration following the school’s sudden permanent closure just days before the resumption of the second term academic session.

The closure, announced in a January 2, 2025, message entitled “Permanent Closure of Ausphine School, Kugbo Campus,” has left parents scrambling to find alternative schools for their children.

Many say the notice was insufficient and accuse the school of failing to refund fees and other payments already made for the second and third terms.

A distraught parent, Gloria Jonadad, said she had paid for textbooks and uniforms for the entire session, only to receive the shocking announcement after the first term ended in December 2024.

“I am shocked that after paying for complete books and charges covering the second and third terms, the school shut down with almost no notice. Where can I take my children now?” she lamented.

Another parent, Titus Agundu, through his lawyer, Emeka Ezeganya, has formally demanded compensation and measures to ensure the pupils’ welfare.

Agundu cited the National Minimum Standards and Establishments of Institutions Act, which mandates schools to give parents at least an entire session’s notice before closing and ensure proper transfer arrangements for affected students.

Violation of Education Standards Parents have accused the school of deliberately ignoring proper procedures, describing the sudden closure as violating their rights and educational standards.

“We call on the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat, especially the Department of Quality Assurance, to investigate this matter and ensure justice is served,” one of the parents said. Proprietor Responds, FCT Officials Silent When contacted, the school’s proprietor, Augustine Omokhuale Anetor, stated that his lawyer was handling the matter but declined to provide further details.

Attempts to reach Mrs Hajarat Alanyade, Director of the FCT Department of Quality Assurance, for comments were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to messages when this report was filed.

Parents are now urging authorities to act swiftly to hold the school accountable and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

With schools already in session, the affected families are left scrambling for solutions, even as they await action from relevant authorities. Their plight highlights the need for more vigorous enforcement of educational standards and accountability measures within Nigeria’s education system.