The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has issued new regulations to guide schools in Kaduna State. The public notice, dated 2nd September 2025 with reference KSSQAA/GEN.98/VOL.VI, was signed by the Director-General, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria.
The authority explained that the directives are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education. It said the move is meant to protect proprietors, administrators, learners, parents, guardians, and the wider community.
On graduation ceremonies, KSSQAA said schools have been compelling parents to pay for events at all class levels. “It has been observed that some schools organize graduation ceremonies for every class level and compel parents or guardians to bear the costs. This practice undermines government’s efforts to reduce the cost of education and improve access for all children,” the notice stated.
The authority clarified that graduation events must now be restricted to completion of Basic 9 (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary Education (SS 3/SSCE). It added that participation or payment should not be compulsory. Where schools plan compulsory payments, they must seek clearance from KSSQAA at least four weeks before the event with evidence of Parent-Teacher Association consent.
Another area of concern raised was the unruly “sign-out” culture by students at the end of examinations. The authority described such practices as unsafe and directed schools to enforce discipline. “Schools are expected to provide well-supervised alternatives such as farewell assemblies, talent exhibitions, mentorship handover sessions, or other structured activities,” the notice said.
KSSQAA also addressed the issue of consumable textbooks. It noted that textbooks with built-in worksheets prevent reuse, increase costs for parents, and cause unnecessary waste. The authority announced that by September 1, 2026, publishers must provide optional workbooks separately while ensuring that textbooks remain reusable. Schools were instructed to only procure and recommend reusable textbooks.
On school fees, the authority stated that no proprietor is allowed to increase tuition or upgrade their institution without written approval. “Approval requires PTA agreement with quorum, a formal application stating reasons, enrolment data, current and proposed fees, and attached PTA minutes,” it explained. Any unauthorized increment, it warned, will attract sanctions.
Professor Zaria said the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority is committed to ensuring that education in the state remains accessible and affordable. He emphasized that all schools must comply fully with the directives.