The Katsina State Government has introduced new operational guidelines for the establishment and running of private and community schools across the state, aimed at improving educational quality and aligning practices with global standards.
The new policy was unveiled on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina, attended by officials from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, private school proprietors, and other key players in the education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, said the guidelines were developed to ensure that all children in the state have access to quality education in a safe and well-regulated environment.
“These guidelines are not meant to burden schools but to empower them to provide quality education that meets both national expectations and international best practices,” she said.
The guidelines cover critical areas such as teacher qualifications, infrastructure, curriculum delivery, and compliance with both national and state education policies. The commissioner emphasized that only schools that meet the minimum standards will be allowed to operate.
“We have revised the approval process to be transparent and free from interference. Institutions that fall short of these standards will not be permitted to function. This is about protecting students and ensuring parents get value for their investment,” Musa-Musawa added.
She also announced that the ministry is working on modern educational tools like AI-driven platforms and community literacy programmes to improve learning outcomes across the state.
In response, Muntar Jibia, who spoke on behalf of private school owners, welcomed the policy. He said the new framework would help streamline school operations and encourage a higher standard of education.
“This will give us a better platform to serve our communities and improve both teaching and learning,” he said.
Jibia highlighted the major role private schools play in Katsina’s education system, noting that the sector is the largest employer after the government, with over 30,000 teachers working in more than 5,500 schools.
He stressed that private education should not be viewed purely for profit, but as a long-term investment in the future of the state’s children.
The ministry has pledged to continue engaging with stakeholders to fine-tune the guidelines and ensure inclusive, quality education for all.
