Bauchi govt raises concern over proliferation of private schools

The Bauchi State Government has raised alarms over the alarming increase of unauthorized private schools throughout the state.

This is as the government cited violations of established guidelines and regulations governing their operation.

Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Mohammed Dahiru, made the revelation on Tuesday during the inauguration of a Task Force Committee aimed at addressing unregistered private schools in the region.

Dahiru while interacting with members of the Taskforce shortly after the inauguration, said that “this is one of the efforts of the state government to address the problems associated with the proliferation of unregistered private schools and the non-compliance with the state guidelines for the establishment of such schools.”

The Commissioner noted that a town hall meeting had been held with school proprietors, their associations, and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges and establish the task force.

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Dahiru outlined the Committee’s responsibilities, which include identifying unregistered schools in the state, conducting inspections of these institutions, and issuing immediate rulings through a Mobile Court.

Furthermore, she indicated that the Committee would seek ways to monitor compliance, take necessary actions to promote adherence to private school regulations, and include individuals who can assist in fulfilling its mandate.

The committee’s terms of reference include: Identifying unregistered schools across the state; conducting inspections of the identified schools; implementing immediate legal action through a mobile court; Developing strategies to track compliance with state guidelines; Proposing additional measures to enhance adherence to regulations governing private schools and co-opting individuals who can assist in fulfilling the committee’s objectives.

Speaking on behalf of the Taskforce, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Dr Nasir Alaa, pledged to carry out their duties with diligence.

He commended the State Government and the Ministry of Education for forming the Taskforce, noting that it was a long-overdue response to the proliferation of private schools, particularly in areas ill-suited for such establishments.

He assured that the Legislature would continue to support the Executive in creating a conducive environment for effective service delivery within the education sector.

The Taskforce committee comprises the following members:Permanent Secretary of SUBEB – Co-Chairman; Chairman of the House Committee on Education – Member; 20 Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Education Secretaries – Members; Directors from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SUBEB – Members; Two State Chairpersons of NAPSS and APSON – Members.

Others are: State Chairpersons of SBMC and PTA – Members; Representatives from MLaCA, MORA, MOWA, MoJ, and MoIC – Members; Two representatives from MoSaHA (Security Personnel) – Members; Representatives from six Emirate Councils – Members and Head of Private Schools – Secretary

The task force is expected to play a crucial role in regulating the private education sector in Bauchi State, ensuring compliance with legal and educational standards