Nigeria, Oct. 23 -- The Cross River State Government has shut down a total of 69 unapproved schools across the state.

In two separate statements on 21 and 22 October, the state's education ministry said the two-day crackdown was part of a massive push to sanitise its education sector.

According to the statement, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State approved the clampdown after consultation with the state's executive council.

The ministry said the closures focused on institutions operating without the mandatory Approval to Operate certificate.

"A task force, inaugurated by Stephen Odey, the education commissioner, sealed off 36 illegal schools on 20 October."

An additional 33 were sealed on 21 October, bringing the number of close...