Ibuki told a Lower House special committee on education that the ministry has yet to conclude a survey on private high schools and noted the final figure will probably be higher.

"We have to take measures to relieve seniors of their worries as soon as possible . . . as they are not responsible for the situation they are in," Ibuki told the committee.

It was revealed in late October that several of the nation's top schools have not been teaching all required subjects, including world history, and instead have focused on subjects needed for university entrance examinations.

The Japan Times Weekly: Nov. 4, 2006
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