Iraq closes 158 unlicensed private education institutions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has shut down 158 private education institutions operating without official licenses in Baghdad and other cities, the ministry said in a written statement. The closures followed surprise inspections carried out jointly by a ministry commission and units affiliated with the National Security Advisory, the statement said. The inspections targeted unlicensed tutoring centers and private education centers found to be in violation of regulations. Education Minister Abdulkarim Abtan said the inspections of unlicensed private institutions would continue within the legal framework. The ministry commission coordinated the work of sub-committees under Baghdad's and provincial directorates of education during the campaign, which covered May, June and July. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for the 158 institutions, according to the statement, which added that inspections against unlicensed facilities would continue.