The Yobe government has revoked licences of all private schools in the state, asking operators desirous of playing by the rules to re-apply for new licences.
The step came to light at a meeting the State Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Muhammad Sani Idriss held with proprietors of private schools in Government Girls Unity College Damaturu, on Thursday.
Sani said the decision is aimed at arresting the low standard that has become the lot of private schools in the state.
He added that henceforth the government would run the rule over schools applying for licences.
His words, “We have cancelled the licences so that we would renew them. There was a time when some of the private schools were licensed but with the condition that they would meet some standard, but they have failed to meet up with this standard and they are still operating and the licences are with them.
“So, if you must operate a private school in Yobe State, you must play the game by its rules. That is why we decided to scrap and cancel all the licences. We are saying that you should re-apply and within a period of 30 days, you have your licences.
“Mind you, we have not closed any private schools but what we are saying is that any private school that is not licensed henceforth is not ready to play the game by its rules.
“What we have done is licences have been revoked, you can operate for a period of one month, come to us and purchase the form, we will assess your school and if you are qualified within a period of 30 days, you have backed your licence to operate and we are going to write all facts that we have to cancel all the licences owned by private schools. Therefore, parents should take note that we are going to also communicate with WAEC.”
