Iraq shuts 158 unlicensed education institutions in Baghdad and other cities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education said on Saturday that 158 unlicensed educational institutions operating in Baghdad and other cities had been shut down. The ministry said the closures followed surprise inspections carried out jointly with the National Security Advisory, targeting private education centers and tutoring academies operating without permits. Education Minister Abdulkarim Ubaythan ordered continued inspections and legal action against unlicensed private institutions, according to the ministry statement. The ministry's commission is overseeing the work of sub-committees attached to education directorates in Baghdad and other cities. Inspections in May, June and July identified the 158 institutions as operating in violation of regulations, the statement said. The ministry added that the closure of unauthorized institutions and legal proceedings against those responsible would continue.