Interrogating the Adoption of Quality Assurance Parameters in the Management of Private Basic Schools in Six Local Government Areas, Kano

Abstract

This paper interrogates the adoption of quality assurance in private basic schools in Kano state. To achieve this task, six (6) local government areas, selected from the three (3) senatorial zones of Kano Central, Kano North and Kano South were used. On completion of the fieldwork which lasted from June to September, four (4) months, through the survey design approach, data was analysed by the use of descriptive statistical analysis. In this case percentage score was considered appropriate because the responses were structured following a strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree considered version of Likerts Scale. The findings from fieldwork showed that first there was a uneven distribution of private schools across the three Senatorial zones as Gwale has the highest number of 118 (44.02%), Fagge 97 (36.19%), Gezawa 22 (8.20%), Dawaki 14(5.22%), Wudil 4(1.49%) and Rogo 13 (4.85%). The differential was accounted for by population growth and immigrants settlement. Secondly, most private actors in the education sector were drawn into the industry with the urge to maximize returns on investment. It also showed that the environment under which most of they operates are not conducive for teaching and learning. The research also found out that supervision of these private schools are not adequate as emphasis was on collecting all manner of levies and gratification. The paper recommended that a data bank for all the private schools operating in Nigeria which this present research initiated should be done in other parts of the federation. Also multiple supervisory agencies should be trimmed to one for improved efficiency with offices established in all the local government areas. Extant laws on quality standard should not be compromised henceforth and schools found wanting must be closed down permanently. The paper also recommended that the Ministry of Education and a taskforce should clamp down on private schools established very close to Hotels and brothels. This would help to vestor sanity in the education system. Finally, government should intervene in the area of instructional materials to these schools and control the fees they should collect. On the balance sheet, the paper concludes without reservation that private basic schools in Kano have abandoned their complimentary function of providing quality education to the Nigerian children. Keywords: Interrogating, Adoption, Quality Assurance, Parameters, Management. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-3-18