Iraq Enforces School Closures, Penalizes Private Schools

Iraq Mandates Nationwide School Closures, Threatens Penalties for Private Schools

The Iraqi Ministry of Education has ordered the strict enforcement of a nationwide suspension of classes across all public and private educational institutions. According to widespread announcements from local education channels, the mandatory holiday covers Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday.

The enforcement measures follow reports that some private institutions ignored the initial closure directives issued by the Prime Minister amid the ongoing regional security crisis. Student news channel واحد عراق, which frequently disseminates official state educational updates, reported that the Ministry of Education warned private school administrators that failure to comply would result in them bearing "all legal consequences." This announcement was corroborated by the educational portal نيمار ابن الانبار || iraqedu in a nearly identical broadcast, confirming that the closures apply universally to schools and universities without exception.

In southern Iraq, the Basra Education Directorate announced severe punitive measures against violating schools. According to سنتر السادس | Al-Santer, an outlet focused on student affairs, authorities noticed certain private schools holding classes despite the Provincial Council's shutdown orders, which were explicitly issued "to preserve the safety of our sons and daughters." The directorate stated that these institutions "will face the harshest penalties" and confirmed the immediate formation of investigative committees, according to its broadcast.

The official Iraqi student channel, قناة طلاب العراق الرسمية, echoed the Basra directorate's statement, noting that educational supervisors and department heads have been instructed to submit daily reports identifying non-compliant schools so they can be formally referred for investigation.