INTERROGATING THE ADOPTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PARAMETERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BASIC SCHOOLS IN SIX LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA.

Fabian Ndidi Nwaugo & Mansur Ali Garba

Department of History,

Federal College of Education, Kano – Nigeria

Email: fabiannwaugo@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This paper seeks to interrogate the adoption of quality assurance in private basic schools in Kano State. For this purpose, the study employed the survey design approach to collect data from 200 respondents, out of a total population of 468 in six (6) local government areas, The fieldwork lasted from June to September, four (4) months. Data was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistical analysis. Percentage scores was used because the responses were structured following a condensed version of Likert Scale of strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree. The result showed that; first, there was an uneven distribution of private schools across the 6 local government areas as Gwale has the highest number of 118 (44.02%) private basic schools, Fagge 97 (36.19%), Gezawa 22 (8.20%), Dawaki 14(5.22%), Wudil 4(1.49%) and Rogo 13 (4.85%). Secondly, most private actors in the education sector were drawn into the industry with the urge to maximize returns on investment. Thirdly, the environments under which most of them operate are not conducive for teaching and learning. Fourthly, supervision was 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 in other parts of Nigeria should be carried out. 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. Finally, government should assist them with instructional materials and also provide a benchmark for their school fees. The paper concludes 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.