Katsina Government Revokes Licences of All Private, Community Schools

The Katsina State Government has revoked the operational licences of all private and community schools in the state, directing proprietors to comply with a new regulatory framework introduced by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

This was contained in a circular signed by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musa-Musawa, and made public on Saturday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Sani Danjuma.

According to the circular, all licences previously granted to private and community schools in Katsina State have been officially terminated with immediate effect.

The ministry explained that the move was part of sweeping reforms aimed at improving the quality of education, ensuring compliance with standards, and safeguarding the interests of pupils.

“The ministry hereby notifies the public, proprietors and administrators of all private and community schools that all the previously issued operational licences have been officially terminated,” the statement read in part.

It further recalled that on June 2, 2025, the ministry held a sensitisation exercise for stakeholders, during which details of the new state policy governing private and community schools were communicated. The policy, officials said, is designed to streamline operations, enhance monitoring, and strengthen partnerships between the government and non-state actors in education delivery.

While the government did not immediately release details of the requirements for re-licensing, officials hinted that all affected schools would be expected to undergo a fresh registration process in line with the updated policy guidelines.

The revocation comes amid concerns over the proliferation of substandard private and community schools in parts of the state, raising questions about curriculum quality, teacher qualifications, and the safety of learning environments.

Education remains a priority for the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who has repeatedly pledged to reform the sector to improve learning outcomes and expand access, particularly for children in rural and underserved communities.

Stakeholders, including school proprietors and parents, are expected to receive further directives from the ministry in the coming weeks on the steps required for compliance with the new licensing regime.