By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it has granted approval to additional eighty five public and private schools in territory.
The administration through its department of quality assurance also gave provisional licences to twelve schools, out of the 97 schools that were assessed during the 16th batch accreditation exercise.
During the presentation of certificates to the schools, the permanent secretary FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola said the approval was part of the administration’s continued efforts to add value to the education system.
Adesola who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management of the FCTA, Dr. Muhammad Bashir, called on them to continue to operate within the confines of the law as the administration will not hesitate to sanction any erring school administrator.
The Secretary, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Sani El-Katuzu while granting the accreditation to schools in the nation’s capital appealed to all the schools to adhere strictly to the required minimum standards.
“The use of these evaluators from a wide range of educational organizations is to ensure the credibility and transparency of the exercise and to adhere strictly to the required minimum standards.
“A total of 97 schools were assessed in the 16th batch accreditation, comprising of 10 public schools and 89 private schools. Out of the 97 schools, a total number of 85 schools measured up to the required standards and are those whose certificates we are officially presenting today. 12 schools got provisional approval and none of the schools was denied accreditation.
“The Secretariat wishes to appreciate the complimentary role the private schools are playing in moving education to greater heights in the FCT and Nigeria at large. I use this opportunity to encourage all members of NAPPS to encourage one another to ensure that more schools are presented for the exercise as accreditation certificate is the equivalent of operating license for schools in the FCT and the nation at large.
“The Secretariat is also determined to ensure that the process of obtaining the certificate simplified for schools without unnecessary delay. Now, accreditation exercise is no longer once a year, it is now quarterly. Similarly, I urge all private schools proprietors to continue to ensure compliance to minimum standards in their operations and ensure the safety and protection of all learners under their care” he stated.
In her remarks, the Director, Department of Quality Assurance, FCT Education Secretariat, Mrs. Magdalene Uzoanya warned that the department will be using stick and carrots in their punishment and reward system.
She warned that pupils must complete primary six/ basic six so as not to be negatively influenced while in high schools.
“Let me remind the proprietors of the need for prompt payment of annual and other charges as the department will soon commence school closure in the FCT and also commend and recognize schools that are outstanding in compliance”
