Katsina Releases New Guidelines for Private and Community Schools

he Katsina State Government has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the operations of private and community schools across the state. These measures are designed to ensure that educational institutions adhere to established standards, promote fairness, and enhance the quality of education provided to students.

Key Aspects of the New Guidelines

1. Regulation of Examination Fees: The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has issued directives to private and community schools to prevent the overcharging of examination fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). Schools are permitted to add a maximum of 40% to the actual examination fees to cover administrative costs. For instance, the WAEC fee is set at ₦27,000, and NECO at ₦25,250; thus, the total fees charged should not exceed ₦37,800 and ₦35,350, respectively. Additionally, schools are prohibited from compelling students to register for both examinations; students should have the option to choose the examination they wish to sit for .

2. Closure During Ramadan: In alignment with the state's religious observances, the Katsina State Hisbah Board has mandated the closure of all private schools during the holy month of Ramadan. This directive is intended to allow students to fully participate in fasting and religious activities. The Hisbah Board has emphasized that non-compliance with this order will not be tolerated .

3. Implementation of Extra Lessons for SSCE Candidates: To mitigate the impact of school closures on academic progress, especially for final-year students preparing for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE), the state government has introduced special extra lessons. These sessions commenced on March 3, 2025, and are structured to accommodate the unique challenges posed by Ramadan, including fasting and extreme weather conditions. The extra lessons are designed to ensure that students continue their academic preparations without significant disruption .

Objectives of the Guidelines

The primary objectives of these new guidelines are to:

• Ensure Fairness: By regulating examination fees, the government aims to protect parents and students from excessive charges and ensure that all students have equal access to examination opportunities.

• Promote Religious Observance: The closure of schools during Ramadan allows students to engage fully in religious practices, fostering a balanced approach to education and spirituality.

• Maintain Academic Continuity: The introduction of extra lessons for SSCE candidates seeks to minimize the academic disruption caused by school closures, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for their examinations.

Conclusion

The Katsina State Government's new guidelines for private and community schools reflect a commitment to enhancing the educational experience while respecting cultural and religious practices. By implementing these measures, the government aims to create a more equitable and supportive educational environment for all students in the state.