Zamfara Recovers N23m After Screening 242 Out Of 508 Private Schools

…Resolves To Shut Non-Compliant Ones

The Committee set up for the Enforcement of Minimum Standards and Regulatory Compliance in Private Schools by the Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has disclosed that the sum of N23 million has been recovered in the course of screening 242 out of 508 private schools operating in the state.

Presenting the report to the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Malam Abdulmalik Gajam, at the conference room of the Ministry, the Chairperson of the Committee, Hajiya Kulu Na’ala, said out of the 508 schools captured, only 242 were screened and recovered 23 million as tax and levies.

Hajiya Na’ala said the mandate of the committee was to ensure private schools meet the minimum conditions for safety, lawful and quality operational standards.

She said out of the 242 schools screened, only 123 are rated good, while 119 schools are rated either fair or poor in operational standard.

The committee has also recovered 23 million tax and liabilities from the schools, saying no State Law Regulating Private Schools Enforcement Authority and sanctions remain constrained without dedicated legislation.

“Approval Certificates Lack Operational Level Scope of permitted operation is unclear and difficult to enforce.

Hajia Kulu said Learning/Lesson Centres Outside Formal Pathway Risks include early school withdrawal, inappropriate relationships, and revenue leakage.

She said some of the committee’s achievements include 242 private schools assessed within the assessment period. Over N23 million in tax liabilities were enforced and paid into the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service account.

According to her, private schools’ proprietors were trained to generate tax invoices and use electronic payment channels, reducing revenue leakage.

She added that “Standardised digital assessment instrument deployed, school grading and operational-level recommendations completed. Comprehensive database of private schools established for future monitoring and enforcement.

“Awareness improved on minimum standards, child protection, quality assurance, and documentation, further explained.

Receiving the report, the commissioner assured that the recommendations of the committee would be fully looked into and thanked the committee members for doing a great job.

Gajam further disclosed that the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal is determined to lift the standard of education at all levels.