Authorities in the Montazah 1st district of Alexandria launched a significant campaign on March 10, 2025, aimed at shutting down unlicensed private tutoring centers, responding to growing concerns over the exploitation of parents and students.
Under the coordination of the Directorate of Education and relevant educational departments, the campaign focused on areas such as Sidi Bishr, where officials identified and sealed three unlicensed educational centers, including a private tutoring center, a Sudanese school, and even a nursery.
Engineer Sahar Shaaban, the Head of Montazah 1st district, confirmed the initiative, stating, "The campaign was launched in coordination with the Educational Administration of Montazah Awal, and through the Committee to close unlicensed centers." This action targets the rise of educational establishments operating without proper oversight, as outlined in Law No. 420 of 2014, which forbids the establishment of private tutoring centers not subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Technical Education.
The move to close these centers highlights the authorities’ commitment to enforcing educational regulations and safeguarding the interests of families. Many parents have long expressed frustrations with the unregulated tutoring industry, which has been seen as preying upon students’ needs for extra help, especially during challenging academic periods.
There has been increasing media and public discourse surrounding the proliferation of private tutoring centers which operate without necessary licensing. Such establishments not only raise issues of legality but also concern parents about the quality of education provided, and the significant financial burden imposed on families seeking additional academic support for their children.
Through the enforcement of this law, officials hope to restore faith among parents and students when it pertains to educational practices. The stringent measures taken during the recent campaign are seen as pivotal to curbing exploitation within this sector.
While the educational community largely welcomes these moves as protective measures, some parents question the adequacy of public schooling systems, attributing the demand for private tutoring services to gaps within the standard curriculum. They argue it stems from inadequate support for students within the classroom setting, which leads them to seek additional help elsewhere.
Questions arise over the future of students who have relied on these unlicensed educational centers. Concerns are being raised about where these students will go for support, particularly those who are preparing for important examinations. The officials are pressed to provide viable alternatives to those affected by the closures.
Yet, the hardline stance taken by the Montazah 1st district officials is indicative of larger educational reforms being considered throughout Egypt. Authorities are realizing, especially with the increase of educational resources being provided digitally, the importance of regulation and quality control within educational institutions.
Moving forward, the focus will not only be on closing unlicensed centers but also on enhancing existing education systems and providing equitable access to quality educational resources for all students, which is seen as instrumental to improving student outcomes.
The challenge remains to balance the enforcement of regulations with the genuine academic necessities of students. This point is underlined by the need for comprehensive strategies ensuring all learners have access to the support they need without the threat of exploitation.