Borno Gov’t. Engages Private School Owners, Warns Against Fee Hikes, Non-Compliance

By HK Tijjani, Maiduguri

The Borno State Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation on Thursday held an interactive session with private school proprietors to address pressing issues in the education sector, including recent fee hikes and regulatory compliance.

The meeting took place at the conference hall of the quality assurance office of the ministry in Maiduguri.

The meeting, chaired by the ministry’s Commissioner Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, focused on the importance of adhering to the 2023 Revised Guidelines for Private Schools and Colleges in Borno State and the National Policy on Education.

Wakilbe emphasized the need for consultation with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) when implementing fee increases or other significant policy changes.

“It’s crucial to involve parents in decision-making processes to ensure their interests are protected,” Wakilbe said.

The commissioner also warned against the practice of admitting students without proper documentation and registering external examination candidates without following the due process.

He stressed the importance of maintaining accurate records and adhering to safety standards, particularly for multi-story school buildings.

“We are concerned about the increasing cases of student indiscipline. We must work together to instill discipline and create a conducive learning environment.” declared Wakilbe

The Commissioner also strongly emphasised on safety. He particularly harped on the need for structural integrity in school buildings, particularly multi-story structures. He raised alarm over increasing levels of student indiscipline and called for collective efforts to harmonize school systems and enforce discipline within schools.

Babagana Alkali, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Borno State Chapter, commended the state government’s efforts to regulate the sector.

He appealed for more support, particularly in teacher training and the licensing of private higher institutions.

The interactive session provided a platform for proprietors to raise concerns and seek clarifications.

At the close of the meeting, all proprietors were provided with copies of the national and state education guidelines to facilitate compliance.