300 private schools in Borno risk shutdown for non-compliance
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
In a bid to regulate the quality of education provided in Borno State, more than 300 private schools are at risk of closure due to their failure to obtain mandatory accreditation from the government.
The Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, addressed the media in Maiduguri on Wednesday, highlighting the necessity of this action to curb the proliferation and questionable practices within some private schools.
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He expressed concern that since the accreditation process commenced in 2022, only 266 out of approximately 600 private schools have complied with the requirements.
Mr. Wakilbe revealed that a meeting involving the Ministry of Education, private school owners, the Ministry of Justice, and the police is scheduled for Saturday.
The purpose of this meeting is to emphasize the illegality of operating unaccredited schools and to warn of potential school closures and prosecution for non-compliance.
He further mentioned the possibility of reopening the registration window for a brief period, but only after obtaining approval from the State Executive Council.
In addition to the accreditation process, Borno State is prioritizing technical and vocational education to empower graduates with skills for self-employment.
Mr. Wakilbe noted that a significant number of the 1.8 million out-of-school children in the state have outgrown traditional school cycles due to the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency.
To address their needs, the government is focusing on basic literacy, numeracy, and technical skills acquisition.
Technical and vocational schools have garnered substantial interest among the youth.
During the distribution of 450 admission forms at a newly-established vocational centre in Biu Local Government Area, an astonishing 5,000 applicants turned up.
Governor Babagana Zulum had to approve both morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate the surge in student interest.
Similar situations are arising in Shani Local Government Area, where additional technical and vocational schools are set to open in Magumeri and Mafa Local Government Areas.
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