By Aminu Dalhatu
The Zamfara State Government says 123 private schools have met the minimum operational standards for teaching and learning following an assessment of 242 schools across the state.
The Chairperson of Committee on Enforcement for Minimum Standards and Regulatory Compliance of Private Schools, Hajiya Kulu Na’ala, announced this in Gusau while presenting the committee’s report to the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Gusau.
Hajiya Na’ala explained that the committee had identified 508 private schools, out of which 242 were screened in various areas to determine their compliance with minimum standards and regulatory requirements.
She stated that the committee was mandated to ensure that, private schools meet the minimum conditions required for safe, lawful and quality educational operations in line with the state government’s education policy.
According to her, out of the 242 schools assessed, 123 were rated “Good” in terms of compliance while 119 were rated “Fair” or “Poor”.
She said the committee recorded several achievements during the assessment period, including the recovery of more than 23 million naira in outstanding tax liabilities, which were paid into the account of the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service.
Hajiya Kulu Na’ala added that, the committee had established a comprehensive database of private schools to facilitate future monitoring, enforcement and improved compliance with minimum standards, child protection, quality assurance and documentation requirements.
The Chairperson further disclosed that the committee has identified several challenges affecting effective Regulations and Operations of private schools in the state that require urgent measures to address the gap.
She warned that schools that fail to meet the requirements could risk deregistration, stressing that the government would continue to enforce tax obligations as part of efforts to strengthen funding for education in the state.
The committee recommended the urgent enactment of legislation to strengthen regulatory enforcement, clearer approval procedures, closer monitoring of lesson centres operating outside the formal education system, and sustained monitoring of private schools across the state among others.
Editing By Godwin Duru
