Kaduna govt inaugurates c’ttee on private schools
The Kaduna State government yesterday inaugurated a 17-man committee to look into the operations of private schools in the state.
Inaugurating the committee in Kaduna, the states’ Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Shehu Adamu, said the measure was part of efforts to revive and restructure the education sector.
Adamu said members of the committee were drawn from faith-based associations, Parent Teachers Association, Ministry of Justice, private school boards, as well as the Ministry of Education.
He said the committee was expected to identify the total number of private schools operating in the state, their locations, structure and suitability of learning environments, as well as their registration status.
The committee was also asked to evaluate the teaching and non-teaching staff in the schools, their qualifications and the number of students/ pupils and fees charged.
It was also expected to identify schools that were operating as Miracle Centres and make recommendations on how to reduce examination malpractice in the state.
The committee would examine the law establishing private school boards and make further recommendations that could would enhance the operations and performance of private schools in the state.
The commissioner said that the committee, which had Dr Shuaibu Shehu as Chairman and Dr Joseph Bijimi as Secretary, was given three weeks to submit its report.
Adamu noted concerns emanating from stakeholders, proprietors, communities and government on examination malpractice and proliferation of miracles centres, saying, private school proprietors contribute significantly to the development of the education sector. “However, we are only going to allow the proliferation of private schools under laws establishing private school management board,” he said. He added, “this is to safeguard the interest of the students, parents and proprietors so that we can all work together and key into the programmes of the present administration.’’
Responding, the chairman of the committee thanked the Kaduna State government for finding them worthy to be part of the team in transforming the education sector and pledged the commitment of members in meeting the objectives. (NAN)