The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has presented accreditation certificates to additional 85 public and private schools to operate within the nation’s capital.
The Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, presented the certificates to the schools that passed the 16th Batch accreditation exercise conducted by the Department of Quality Assurance of the FCTA, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Adesola commended Private Schools owners for their support towards the development of education sector in the territory.
He also hailed the complementary role private schools were playing in the provision of quality education to the residents.
Adesola assured them that the FCT administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to operate and add value to the education system.
Represented by the Director, Human Resource Management of the FCTA, Dr. Muhammad Bashir, Adesola, called on them to continue to operate within the confines of the law as the administration would not hesitate to sanction any erring school administrator.
Also, the Secretary, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Sani El-Katuzu, appealed to all the schools to adhere strictly to the required minimum standards.
He said: ”The use of these evaluators from a wide range of educational organisations 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 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.”
El-Katuzu said that the Secretariat wad also determined to ensure that the process of obtaining the certificate was simplified for schools without unnecessary delay.
He added: ”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.’
The Director, Department of Quality Assurance, FCT Education Secretariat, Mrs Magdalene Uzoanya, warned that the department would be using stick and carrots in its punishment and reward system.
She said that pupils must complete primary six basic six so as not to be negatively influenced while in high schools.
Uzoanya said: ”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.
“I must also commend and recognise schools that are outstanding in compliance.
“It is my fervent hope that schools comply with our earlier directive of the need for learners to complete primary six/basic six to avoid turning out under-aged students that can be easily negatively influenced.
”The above order is mandatory please, as defaulting schools will be sanctioned.” (NAN)
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