By DAYO ADESULU
Non-Compliant Principals to be Reassigned to Classroom Teaching
The Katsina State government has announced a stringent new policy mandating that any secondary school principal who fails an upcoming competency test will be removed from their position and reassigned to teach in the classroom. This announcement was made by Hajiya Zainab Musa-Musawa, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, during a news briefing following a three-day workshop in Katsina.
Purpose of the Competency Test
The workshop, titled “Effective Leadership and Management of Secondary Schools in Katsina State,” was attended by secondary school principals across the state. Musa-Musawa revealed that a total of 1,350 principals will be required to take the examination, which aims to enhance the quality of education by addressing issues of nepotism, favoritism, and corruption within the educational system.
Examination Details
The competency test will be conducted at five designated centers: Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Malumfashi, and Dutsin-ma. Musa-Musawa outlined the structure of the examination, stating that it will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) organized in collaboration with the state government, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Katsina.
The test will take place after the workshop, and the state government will determine the passing mark. In addition to the CBT, principals will also be required to complete an essay examination to assess their communication skills.
Commitment to Educational Reform
Musa-Musawa emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to restructure the education system and improve its overall effectiveness. She expressed gratitude for the support received from the World Bank project AGILE and the Transforming Education System at the State Level (TESS), which have contributed to the successful implementation of these measures.
Conclusion
This competency test represents a significant step toward enhancing leadership and management within Katsina State’s secondary schools. By holding principals accountable and focusing on professional development, the government aims to foster a more effective educational environment for students.