Kwara State Shuts Down Unregistered Childcare Centers in Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has stepped up enforcement against unlicensed childcare centres, conducting a two-day monitoring and compliance operation across Ilorin metropolis on 23 and 24 June 2026 to ensure all crèches meet mandatory registration standards.
The exercise, carried out by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), targeted early childhood facilities catering for children aged 0 to 6 years. Officials inspected centres to verify valid annual registration and operational compliance.
Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, Commissioner for Social Development, reiterated that crèches operating without current approval from the ministry are not recognised by the state government and are deemed unauthorised.
“Crèches operating without valid registration are not recognised by the Kwara State Government and are therefore unauthorised to operate,” she stated during the operation. Non-compliant facilities risk fines, closure, or other enforcement measures aimed at protecting child safety and raising care standards.
In May 2025, the ministry issued a public deadline for all operators to complete registration or renewal by 30 June 2025, warning of penalties including immediate closure and legal action for defaulters. A dedicated task force was established for statewide inspections.
Earlier visits in March 2025 to Offa and Ijagbo, along with engagements with private school associations such as the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), revealed a proliferation of unregistered facilities and gaps in data on childcare services.
The enforcement is grounded in the Kwara State Child Rights Law 2006 (Part XIV, Sections 163 – 170), which regulates child-minding and early childhood services. The law emphasises proper standards for caregivers, health and safety protocols, and record-keeping to safeguard young children.
Parents have been urged repeatedly to verify that any crèche or daycare centre is fully registered with the state before enrolling children. The ministry encourages the public to report unregistered operations to the Child Development Directorate.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has framed the initiative as part of wider efforts to strengthen child protection, improve data-driven governance, and professionalise early childhood development. The partnership with KW-IRS also integrates regulatory oversight with revenue administration.
The ministry is yet to release specific figures on the number of facilities inspected, warnings issued, or closures enforced during the two-day Ilorin operation, as further details on outcomes and plans for statewide expansion are expected in coming days.
Operators seeking registration guidance or renewal are advised to contact the Child Development Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development in Ilorin.
