The Katsina State Government has introduced a new policy framework to regulate private and community schools across its 34 local government areas.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, announced the development on Monday during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting with school proprietors in Katsina.
She said the Ministry of Education was embarking on significant reforms in the education sector, grounded in the belief that education is the cornerstone of development.
According to the Commissioner, private and community schools play a vital role in shaping the future of the state’s children. She noted that the presence of school owners at the meeting signified a shared commitment to inclusive educational reform and improving overall standards.
“I commend you for taking time to attend this town hall meeting and align with our collective vision for a more inclusive and effective education system,” she said.
Musa-Musawa explained that the newly introduced operational guidelines were developed to strengthen the functioning of private and community schools, while encouraging collaboration with the state government to meet the educational needs of every child.
“The framework has been carefully designed to promote transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in school operations,” she stated.
Drawing on global best practices and local realities, the guidelines address critical areas such as infrastructure, curriculum implementation, teacher qualifications, student welfare, and compliance with both national and state educational policies.
She stressed that the intent was not to overburden school owners but to empower them to deliver quality education that equips children for a competitive global environment.
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The Ministry, she added, has revised its approval and compliance processes to ensure that only institutions meeting minimum standards are allowed to operate protecting students and parents from substandard education.
“The approval process is transparent and free from undue influence,” she emphasised.
Musa-Musawa also highlighted the importance of community involvement, especially for community schools, which must now demonstrate long-term development plans involving local stakeholders to ensure schools serve broader community needs.
“This is a living document. We are committed to transparency and collaboration. Hence, the draft will be shared for stakeholder input and evidence-based refinement,” she added.
The Commissioner urged all private and community schools to embrace the policy, register for the approval process, invest in teacher training, and prioritise student welfare, assuring that the Ministry would provide support through training, resources, and partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of private school proprietors, Alhaji Mukhtar Jibiya welcomed the government’s engagement. He noted that private schools are the second-largest employers in the state after the government, with over 30,000 employees across more than 1,500 schools, significantly contributing to reducing the number of out-of-school children.
He expressed optimism that the policy document would streamline school operations and enhance their capacity to deliver quality education.
Also speaking, Malam Dikko Aliyu, who represented community school proprietors, said they had looked forward to engaging the Commissioner and pledged to thoroughly review the draft policy and provide constructive input aimed at strengthening the education sector in the state.
