Yobe Revokes Licenses of Private Schools for Violating Guidelines
By Njadvara Musa
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has ordered the revocation of licenses for private schools found in violation of established rules and guidelines for operating private educational institutions within the state.
Speaking through the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idriss, the Governor emphasised that all private schools must strictly adhere to the laid down “rules and regulations” before reapplying for new licenses to operate in the state.
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The Commissioner stated that henceforth, the activities of private schools must align with those of public schools, and that the school proprietors will no longer be allowed to operate in the state if they violate the norms and values of the government and the people of Yobe State.
Addressing the proprietors of private schools at Government Girls College in Damaturu, Idriss declared that no private school will be allowed to operate without a valid license, and the era of taking shortcuts in the registration process is over.
He explained that these measures are intended to enable the state government to exercise absolute control over the education system and ensure that all schools adhere to the same standards of operation.
The Commissioner criticised the policies of some private schools for violating the norms and values of the state’s people and directed that henceforth, private schools must operate in consonance with public schools.
As part of the corrective actions, the government has revoked the licenses of the affected schools, requiring them to reapply within 30 days to reclaim their licenses to operate in any part of the state.
Idriss attributed the revocation of licenses to the school operators’ failure to meet the required standards of running private schools and their continued operation despite securing licenses from the state.
He emphasised that any private school that fails to comply with the regulations and refuses to follow the rules will face sanctions and may be prevented from operating in the state.
For those seeking to renew their licenses, the Commissioner instructed that they must apply within a month and provide necessary documentation for assessment. Upon meeting the qualification criteria within 30 days, schools will be granted renewed licenses to operate.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the commissioner announced that the state government would communicate these directives to the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
In an effort to foster moral and ethical development among students, the Yobe State government has approved the introduction of dual curricula in all public schools, including private schools for interested children. This curriculum will allow students to memorise the Qur’an, learn Arabic, or study French, enabling them to graduate with at least two languages in addition to their mother tongue.
The Yobe State House Committee Chairman on Education, Maina Digma Gana, who represents the Damagum Constituency, pledged the support of the legislature in promoting initiatives aimed at imparting standard education to future generations.
The revocation of licenses and the implementation of new guidelines for private schools in Yobe State underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of education and ensuring that all schools operate in a manner that respects the cultural and social values of the state.
